HISTORY 



WEST POIE'T, 



MILITARY IMPORTMCE DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: 



OEIGIK A]S"D PEOGEESS 



T^^ITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. 



BY 

BVT. MAJOR EDWARD C. BOYNTON, A.M., 

ADJUTANT OF THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 



SECOND EDITION. 

NEW YORK : 
D. VAN NOSTRAND, PUBLISHER, 

33 MURRAY AND 27 WARREN STREET. 
1871. 






nH'\ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, 
BY EDWARD C. BOTNTON, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 
District of New York. 



C. A. ALVOED, ELECTROTTPEE AND PEINTEK. 
LOTEJOT * SON, ELECTBO. 



" I give it as my fixed opinion, tliat but for our gradu- 
ated Gadets, the war between the United States and 
Mexico might, and probably would, have lasted some four 
or five years, with, in its first half, more defeats than 
victories falling to our share ; whereas, in less than two 
campaigns we conquered a great country and a peace, 
without the loss of a single battle or skirmish." — Misc. 
Doc. Senate, 2d Session, XXXVI. Gong, 176, 1861. 

WINFIELD SGOTT. 



) 



PREFACE. 



This History of West Point is designed to supply a 
want which all interested in the antecedents of the Post, 
or in the origin and progress of the United States Mili- 
tary Academy, have long desired to see supplied. 

Emanating from the Custodian of the records of the 
Academy, who has been an instructor for many years 
in the Institution, and for many years in one of our 
prominent literary Colleges, the statements put forth are 
believed to be correct, and the comparisons instituted 
cannot be regarded as purely speculative. 

If errors are found to exist, it is hoped, nevertheless, 
that a nucleus of truth has been established, which invites 
amendment and improvement. 

No claim to literary merit or originality is asserted. 
The labors of Ruttenber on the "Obstructions of the 
Hudson," and of Sargeant on the " Life of Andre," have 
been freely used, with the consent of the authors or pub- 
lishers. To these may be added extracts from the North 
American and Quarterly Reviews ; and the whole, having 
been subjected to revision by competent authorities at 
the Academy, is, with their approbation, respectfully 
submitted. 

To the Rev. Roswell Park, D. D., Chancellor of 
Racine College, Wisconsin, and pioneer author of a Sketch 



^j Pkeface. 



of West Point; Mr. George H. Mooee, Librarian of the 
New Yorlc Historical Society; Mr. H. B. Dawson; 
Lieutenant Elbekkin, U. S. A., and Cadets Lydeckee and 
Peteikin, of the Military Academy, the author is indebted 
for courteous assistance in the preparation of the volume. 



Adjutant's Office, 
West Point, N. Y., September 30th, 1863. 



LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 



In the preparation of this History the following 
works have been freely consulted, and from some of 
them copious extracts have been taken : 

AxTTHENTio Nabbative OF THE Captuee OF Andbe. Bj Joshua Hctt 
Smith. 

American State Papees, — Military Affairs. 

Ameeioan Aechives. 

Ameeioan QtrAKTEELY Eeview. Vol. XXII. 

Ameeioan Historical Magazine, Notes and Queries, &c., of America. 

Battles of the United States, by Sea and Land. By H. B. Dawson. 

Correspondence of the American Revoltttion, beiog Letters of Eminent 
Men to George Washington. By J. Sparks. 

History of Westchester County. By R. Bolton, 

History of Orange County. By S. W. Eager. 

HisTOEY OF Putnam County. By W. J. Blake. 

Life of Benedict Arnold : Library of American Biography. By J. Sparks. 

Life of Major John Andre. By W. Sargeant. 

Manuscripts of Major George Fleming. Library of the U. S. Military 
Academy. 

Manuscripts of Major-General Gates : Library of the New York Histor- 
ical Society. 

Manuscripts of Colonel Lamb : Library of the New York Historical 
Society. 

Memoirs of Major-General Heath. By Himself. 

Memoirs of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge. By Himself. 

Memoirs of the Life and Times of General John Lamb. By L Q. Leake. 

Military Journal dueing the Ameeican Eevolutionaey War. By James 
Thatcher. 



f 



viii List of Authorities. 

North American Review. LVII. 1843. 

Obstritotions of the Hudson River. By E. M. Ruttenber. [Munsell'a 

Hist. Series. No. V.] 
Official Records at the United States Military Academy. 
Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution. By B. J. Lossing. 
Register of the Officers and Graduates of the U. S. Military Academy. 

By Capt. G. W. Oullum. 
Reports of the Boards of Visitors at the U. S. Military Academy. 
Report Mil. Committee : House of Representatives, No. 466. 
Revolutionary Orders of General Washington. By H. Whiting. 
Writings of George Washington. By J. Sparks. 



I 



I 



COl^TENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 




Early grants of the Lands at "West Point. — Title acquired by 
THE United States by Purchase. — Commissioners Settle the 
Boundaries. — Further Purchase by the United States. — 
Jurisdiction ceded by the State of New York. — Early im- 
portance OF THE Control of the Hudson during the Revo- 
lution. — Resolutions of the Continental Congress, May 25, 
1775. — Appointment of Committee by the Provincial Con- 
gress, AND Resolutions of the latter, August 18, 1YY5. 9-19 

CHAPTER n. 

Entrance to the Upper Highlands. — Martelaer's Rock. — Ar- 
rival OF THE Commissioners with Col. Romans, the Engi- 
neer. — Possession taken of the Island. — Correspondence 
WITH Col. Beverly Robinson. — Controversy between Romans 
AND the Commissioners. — A Garrison ordered to Fort Con- 
stitution. — First Proposition to occupy West Point and 
ERECT Redoubts on the east side of the River. — Removal of 
Romans, and Report of the Commissioners en route to Can- 
ada. — Order of Washington for a Board of Officers to 
Report upon the Condition of the Fortifications in the 
Highlands. — Report of the Board. 20-38 

CHAPTER III. 

Appointment of a Secret Committee for Obstructing the Chan- 
nel of the Hudson. — Their Action and Letter to Washing- 
ton. — Assignment of General Geo. Clinton to Command in 
the Highlands. — General Clinton and other Officers ex- 




X Contents. 

AMINE THE "WORKS AND RePORT UPON THE NECESSITY OF A BoOM 

AND Chain at Fort Montgomery. — Major-General Putnam ap- 
pointed TO Command. — Advance of Sir Henry Clinton up the 
Hudson to Co-operate with General Burgoyne. — Assault 
AND Capture of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. 39-47 

CHAPTER IV. 

Renewed Efforts to Obstruct the Hudson. — Selection of West 
Point as a Suitable Place. — Letters of "Washington to Put- 
nam ANDi Clinton upon the Subject. — Appointment of a Com- 
mittee BY the New York Provincial Convention to confer 
WITH Putnam. — Report of the Committee, in which they Recom- 
mend THE Fortification of West Point. — Commencement of 
THE Works by General Parsons. — Contract made by Colonel 
Hughes for the Great Chain at West Point. — Report of 
General Putnam on the Progress of the Fortifications. — 
Report of General Parsons on the same. — General McDou- 

GALL ordered TO ReLIEVE GeNERAL PuTNAM. INSTRUCTIONS TO 

General Parsons relative to the Construction of the Works 

48-68 

CHAPTER V. 

Progress of Obstructing the Hudson. — Relic op the Boom and 
Chain. — Letters of General Glover and Captain Machin. — 
Disposition of the Boom, Chain, etc. — Fort Arnold. — Dis- 
crepancies in the Name of the Work. — Assignment of Major- 
General Heath to the Command. — Head-quarters of Wash- 
ington Established at West Point. — Washington's Orders. — 
Severity of the Winter of 1779-80. — Assignment of Gen- 
eral Howe to the Command of the Post. 69-86 

CHAPTER VL 

Major-General Arnold ordered to Relieve General Howe. — 
Disaffection of Arnold. — Disheartening Condition of the 
American Cause. — Advantages of West Point if C-.-iptured 
by the Enemy. — Sir Henry Clinton's Idea. — The Secret Cor- 
respondence with Arnold. — Appointment to meet John An- 
DERSOsr. — The " Robinson House," and its Original f roprie- 



I 



J 



1 




r 




Contents. xi 

TOR. — The Meeting between Arnold and Anderson Thwarted. 
— A Flag of Truce from the Vulture, and its Purport. — 
Smith's House. — Joshua Hett Smith. — Meeting between Ar- 
nold AND Anderson. — Attempt of Anderson to Return to 
New York by Land. — Cow-boys and Skinners. — Capture of 
Anderson. 87-106 

CHAPTER VII. 

Narrative of One of the Captors. — Anderson Conveyed to 
North Castle. — The Papers found on his Person. — Ander- 
son's Appearance Described. — He is Transferred to the 
" Robinson House." — Arrival of Washington. — The Plot Dis- 
covered. — Flight of Arnold. — Andre Conveyed to "West 
Point and from thence to Tappan. — Board of General Offi- 
cers Convened. 107-124 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Proceedings of the Board of General Officers. — Letters of 
Washington to Congress. — Andre to Washington and Shel- 
don. — Letter from Arnold to Washington. — Robinson to 
Washington. — Clinton to Washington. — Arnold to Clinton. 
— Report of the Board. — Andre to Clinton. — Washington to 
Clinton. — Robertson to Washington. — Reply of Washington. 
— Clinton to Washington. — Arnold to Washington. — Rob- 
ertson to Washington. — Arnold to Washington. — Andr^ to 
Washington. 125-147 

CHAPTER IX. 
Andre's Statement. — His Execution. — Assignment of General 

McDoUGALL TO COMMAND AT WeST PoINT. GeNERAL GrEENE 

Ordered to Relieve Him. — The Army go into Winter Quar- 
ters. — Visit of the Marquis de Chastellux. — Celebration at 
West Point of the Birth of the Dauphin of France. — Gen- 
eral Knox Ordered to Command at West Point. — Major 
Fleming Succeeds Him. — Removal op the Great Chain from 
THE Hudson. — Attempt to Raise the Old Iron in the Sunken 
Frigates. — Captain Molly. — The Artillerists and Engineers. 
— Establishment of a Military School. — Repairs on the Forti- 



xii Contents. 

FicATioNS. — Report of Major Niven. — Visit of Liancourt. — 
West Point no longer of Importance as a Defensive Point. 

149-171 

CHAPTER X. 

Early Necessity for a Military Academy Recognized at the 
Commencement of the Revolution. — Appointment of a Com- 
mittee to Visit the Army by Congress, and their Report in 
Favor of such an Institution. — Resolution of Congress upon 
THE Subject. — Necessity for a Military Academy on th? 
Establishment of Peace. — Arguments of Generals Hunting- 
don AND Pickering. — Value of their Experience and Opin- 
ions. — Official Report of General Knox on Military Educa- 
tion. — Brief Career of Military Men. — Citizen Graduates 
AND their Services. — Opinions of Washington and Jefferson 
on the Establishment of a Military Academy. — Organization 
of the Corps of Artillery and Engineers, and Appointment 
OF Cadets thereto, in 1794. — Increase of the Corps and of the 
Number OF Cadets IN 1798. — Provision for their Education. 
— Inadequate Means for this Purpose. — Views of President 
Adams and Mr. McHenry, the Secretary of War. — Organiza- 
tion of the Military Academy by Congress, to be Stationed 
AT West Point. — Message of President Jefferson Relative 
to the Subject. — Report of Colonel Williams, the First 
Superintendent of the Academy. 175-196 

CHAPTER XL 

Action taken by Congress and Increase of the Number of Ca- 
dets.^Urgent Recommendations in Favor of the Institution 
by President Madison. — Reorganization of the Institution 
in 1812, by which it became a Branch of the Army. — Reduc- 
tion OF THE Latter, and Recommendation of the President to 
Enlarge the Academy. — Inquiry into the Constitutionality 
OF THE Institution. — Unanimity of Boards of investigating 
Committees on the Subject. — Progress of the Institution, and 
THE Difficulties it Encountered. — Changes among the Teach- 
ers. — Organization under the Law of 1812. — Resignation op 
Colonel Williams; Colonel Swift his Successor. — Introduc- 



Contents. xiii 

TION OF THE INSPECTOR. RuLES WITH RESPECT TO THE PROMOTION 

OF Cadets. — Appointment of a Board of Visitors. — Uniform 
OF the Cadets. — Report of the Chief-Engineer. 197-216 

CHAPTER XII. 

Appointment of Brevet-Major Thayer as Superintendent. — Im- 
petus imparted to the Institution. — Organization of the 
Battalion of Cadets. — Improvements in the System of Educa- 
tion. — The Secretary of War directs Five most Distinguished 
Cadets in each Class, to be Annually Reported. — Amenabil- 
ity OF Cadets to Martial Law. — Cadet Assistant Professors. 
— General Examinations in January and June. — Furloughs. — 
Major De Russy Appointed to Succeed Colonel Thayer as Su- 
perintendent. — Destruction by Fire of the Academic Build- 
ing. — New one Erected. — Organization of the Department 
of Chemistry, &c. — The Cadets Sworn to Serve Eight Years. 

217-224 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Major Delafield Appointed to Succeed Colonel De Russy as 
Superintendent. — Progress in Improvements. — Establishment 
of Cavalry Instruction. — Commandant of the Post. — Method 
OF Appointing the Cadets. — Principles Regulating it. — Not 
Controlled by the "Wealthy. — Open to all. — Substitutes for 
the Present System of making Appointments. — Enormous Ex- 
pense of the Proposed Change. — Comparison of a Cadet and 
Citizen Applicant for Grade of Lieutenant. — The Military 
Academy said to be "Only a School of Art," and Accused 
OF HAVING Produced no " Great Military Genius." — An Ap- 
peal TO ITS Records. — Term of Service of Graduates, and of 
Citizens in the Army. 225-243 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Law of Congress Regulating the Appointment of Cadets. — 
Suspension of the Board of Visitors. — Pay of the Cadets 
Increased. — Major Delafield Succeeded by Captain Brewer- 
ton AS Superintendent, — Reappointment of the Board of 



xiv Contents. 

Visitors. — Teachers Discoxtinued by Professorships. — Pros- 
perity OF the Academy. — Demolition of the Old Barracks 
AND Erection of New. — Captain Brewerton Succeeded by 
Colonel Lee as Superintendent. — Extension of the Term of 
Study from Four to Five Years. — Major Barnard and Col- 
onel Delafield Succeed as Superintendents. — Continued Im- 
provements. — Establishment of Local Rank of the Superin- 
tendent AND the Commandant of Cadets. — Return from a 
Five to a Pour Years' Course of Study. — Academic Board 
NOT Sustained. — A Commission from both Houses of Congress 
Examine into the Institution. — Major Beauregard and Major 
Bowman Succeed as Superintendents. — Loyalty of the Cadets. 
— Description of the Public Buildings. 244^-264 

CHAPTER XV. 

Appointment of Cadets. — The Qualifications Necessary. — Ad- 
mission into the Academy. — Instruction and Examination of 
THE Candidates. — Outfit Procured for the New Cadet. — 
Classification and System of Military Instruction. — Aca. 
demic Instruction. — Arrangement into Classes and Sections. 
— Programme for the Employment of Time. — Thoroughness in 
Learning and Teaching. — Importance of the Conduct-Roll. 
— Successful Workings of the System. — Discipline among 
the Cadets. — Determination of Class-Rank, and its Impor- 
tance. — Proportion of Graduates to the Number of Cadets 
Admitted. — Services of the Graduates. 265-282 

CHAPTER XVL 

"West Point in 1863. — Scenery. — Principal Objects of Interest. 
— Fort Clinton. — Kosciuszko's Monument. — Dade's Monument. 
— Narrative of the Survivor of the Massacre. — Chain Bat- 
tery Walk. — Library and Observatory. — Chapel. — Trophies 
ON the Walls. — Academic Building. — Museum. — Picture Gal- 
lery. — Sculpture Gallery. — Engineering and Chemical De- 
partments. — Cadets' Barrack. — Mess-Hall. — Hospital. — Rid- 
ing-Hall. — Scenery from Fort Putnam. — The Cemetery. — 
Mexican Trophies. — The Great Chain. — The Encampment. — 
Autumnal Landscape at West Point. 28.S-307 



Contents. yy 



APPENDIX. 

PA6B 

Appropriations for the Military Academy . . .311 
Secretaries of War, from 1789 to 1863 .... 312 
List of Inspectors, Superintendents, Professors, Teachers, 
Heads of Departments, Surgeons, and Adjutants, and 
their Term of Service at the Military Academy, from its 
Origin to the present Date ..... 313-319 
Statement showing the Number of Cadets actually Admit- 
ted INTO THE United States Military Academy from its 
Origin, March 16, 1802, to October, 1863 . . .320 
Statement exhibiting the actual Number of Cadets who 
HAVE Graduated at the Military Academy, from its Origin 

TO THE PRESENT DaTE, WITH THE StATES AND TERRITORIES 

whence appointed ........ 322 

Statement exhibiting the Condition in Life of the Parents 
OF the Cadets of the United States Military Academy, 
FROM 1842 to 1863, INCLUSIVE 324 

List of Cadets attached to the Army Register annually, 
IN conformity with a Regulation requiring the Names of 
the most Distinguished Cadets, not exceeding Five in each 
Class, to be reported at each Annual Examination 325-334 

Military Academy Band ....... 335 

Abstract of all the Acts of Congress providing for the 
Appointment of Cadets in the Army, and for the Estab- 
lishment AND Organization of the United States Military 
Academy 337-361 

Military Education in Europe ... ... 362 

Special Military School of St. Cyr 364 

The Polytechnic School 368 

School of Application for the Artillery and Engineering at Metz 371 
School of Application for the Staff 373 

Military Education in England ...... 377 

Royal Military Academy at Woolwich 378 

Prussian System of Military Education .... 382 

Cadet Schools 382 

School of Artillerists and Engineers ..... 383 
The Staff School at BerUn 385 



XVI 



Contents. 



Austrian System of Military Education 

The Artillery Academy 

The Engineer Academy 

The School of the Staff. 
Military Education in Eussia 
General Index 



PAGE 

386 
387 
388 
389 
390 
401 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

1. Map of West Point and its Vicinity. 1866 Front. 

2. Map of the Commission in 1812 face 11 

3. Survey of the United States Lands at West Point. 1839 — face 14 

4. Martelaeb's Rock (Constitution Island) 20 

5. Map of Fort Constitution, Constitution Island. 1776 face 27 

6. Map of the West Side op the Hudson River. 1780. {Facsimile) 

face 45 

7. Arrangement op the Great Boom and Chain Across the Hudson 

AT West Point. 1780 face 70 

8. Relic of the Great Chain of the Revolution 78 

9. Map op Fort Arnold. 1780. {Facsimile) face 79 

11. Chapter Vignette 87 

12. Robinson's House in the Highlands „ 97 

13. Map op the Scene of Arnold's Treason 104 

14. Fort Putnam,— from the West Point Hotel 1863 153 

15. Grand Arbor and Colonnade at West Point in 1782. {Facsimile) 

face 161 

16. Ruins op Port Putnam (Interior View) 170 

17. The Old North Barracks 254 

18. The Old South Barracks 254 

19. The Old Academic BuiLDiNa 255 

20. The Old Mess-Hall 256 

21. The West Point Hotel 257 



xviii List .of Illustrations. 

PAGE 

22. The Chapel 257 

23. The New Academic Building 258 

24. The Library and Observatory 259 

25. The New Cadet Barracks 260 

26. The New Mess-Hall 262 

27. Map of West Point in 1»63 face 2S3 

28. Ruins op Fort Constitution 285 

29. KosciuszKO's Monument 287 

30. Dade's Monument 288 

31. The Thtrteen-inch Mortar 295 

32. The Cadets' Monument 301 

33. "Wood's Monument 302 

34. The Trophy Guns 303 

35. The Encampment 304 

36. Militart Academy Band 335 



PART I 



MILITARY LIPORTANCE OF WEST POINT 



DXJBING THE 



AMEEIOA^ EEYOLUTIOK 



HISTORY OF WEST POINT. 



CHAPTER I. 

Early grants op the Lands at West Point. — Title acquired by 
THE United States by Purchase. — Commissioners Settle the 
Boundaries. — Further Purchase by the United States. — 
Jurisdiction ceded by the State of New York. — Early im- 
portance OF THE Control of the Hudson during the Revo- 
lution. — Resolutions of the Continental Congress, May 25, 
I'^'^S. — Appointment of Committee by the Provincial Con- 
gress, AND Resolutions of the latter, August 18, 1775, 

The United States tract at West Point includes 
2,105 acres of land, the title to which was secured by 
purchase, as herein described. 

West Point proper was originally granted to Captain 
John Evans ; but, having been vacated by him, it was 
a;fterwards reassumed and held by the English Crown. 

On May 17, 1723, by Royal Letters-Patent, a tract, 
including the northern portion of the Point, and embra- 
cing 1,463 acres of land, was granted to Charles Con- 
greve, upon the condition that, within three years, he or 
his heirs or assigns should settle and cultivate at least 
three acres for every fifty acres of land described in the 
grant. The first settlement at West Point may there- 
fore date from this period. On March 25, 1747, an- 
other portion of the Evans grant, adjoining the south- 
west corner of the Congreve patent, and embracing 332 



10 History of West Point. 

acres of land, was patented to John Moore, on like con- 
dition of settlement within three years. 

The patent of Congreve having been purchased in later 
years by Moore, was conveyed by will, together with the 
Moore patent, to his son, Stephen Moore, merchant, of 
Caswell County, N. C. 

It appears that a petition was presented to Congress 
by the latter, praying that the United States would pur- 
chase West Point, which had already been so long occu- 
pied for public purposes. On this petition Greneral Ham- 
ilton, then Secretary of the Treasury, made a ftivorable 
report, June 10, 1790. 

He quoted the opinion of General Knox, the Secretary 
of War, as set forth by him in a report to Congress, 
dated July 31, 1786, that West Point is of the most de- 
cisive importance to the defence of the Hudson River, for 
the following reasons : 

First. " The distance across the river is only about 
fourteen hundred feet, a less distance by far than at any 
other part. 

Second. The peculiar bend, or turn of the river, form- 
ing almost a re-entering angle. 

Third. The high banks on both sides of the river, 
favorable for the construction of formidable batteries. 

Fourth. The demonstrated practicability of fixing 
across the river a chain or chains, at a spot where ves- 
sels in turning the Point invariably lose their rapidity, 
and, of course, their force, by which a chain at any 
other part of the river would be liable to be broken." 

These considerations, together with the difficulty [at 
that time] of taking West Point by siege ; its being with- 
in a single night's sail of New York, and its importance 



History of West Point. 11 

in preserving communications between the Eastern and 
Middle States, induced General Hamilton to recommend 
its purchase by the United States, as a permanent mili- 
tary post.* Accordingly, /1both the patents held by 
Stephen Moore were deeded to the United States, on the 
payment of the sum of $11,085, September 10, 1790, 
in compliance with the act of Congress of July 5, of the 
same year./ 

A controversy having arisen in relation to the boun- 
dary of the public lands in after years, a commission was 
appointed by the Hon. Secretary of War, under an act 
approved January 22, 1811, to ascertain and settle the 
exterior lines of the Government property at West Point. 
This commission surveyed the tract, and submitted a 
report with map, dated January 22, 1812, establishing 
the boundary. 

Which report was accepted and approved by act of 
Congress, dated January 5, 1813. 

The tract adjoining Congreve's patent, immediately on 
the south, was one of the six tracts originally granted to 
Gabriel and William Ludlow, October 18, 1731, under 
the same condition of early settlement in the three years 
before referred to. 

It was successively owned and afterwards occupied by 
Richard Williams, of Cornwall, N. Y., and Robert Arm- 
strong, of Sussex County, N. J., by whom it was deeded 
toBenjamin Rose, December 1, 1785; by Rose to John 
Dunlap, of Ulster County, N. Y., September 6, 1788, and 
by Dunlap to Thomas North, of Cornwall, November 22, 
1794. North also purchased a tract lying south of the 

* Am. State Papers— Claims— 19. 



12 History of West Point. 

one under consideration, from Isaiah Smith, June 3, 
1796, and on the 28th December, 1819, he deeded both 
tracts to Oliver Gridley, of Bergen County, N. J. 
'^ On the 13th of May, 1824, Gridley deeded them to 
the United States for the sum of $10,000, in accordance 
with the act of Congress, approved March 10, of the 
same year. 

Vexatious claims having in later years arisen between 
the Government and citizens who resided on the lands, 
application was made to the legislature of the State of 
New York, to transfer to the United States a portion of 
the territory in question. 

Accordingly, on March 2, 1826, an act passed the 
Senate and Assembly, ceding jurisdiction over the tract 
here described : * Beginning at the mouth of a small 
brook or creek, northwest of the present Engineer Bar- 
racks, and the Powder Magazine ; thence up said creek 
to its intersection with the road leading west to the Cem- 
etery; thence easterly along the northern brow of the 
bank bounding the road, to its intersection with the road 
near the west gate leading to Fort Putnam ; thence due 
south until the line intersects a line beginning thirty-eight 
chains south of Gee's Point, and running westerly. The 
latter crosses the road about 180 feet south of the 
centre of the entrance to the Cadets' Mess. The ceded 
district contains nearly two hundred and twenty acres. 

The State reserved the right to execute any process, 
civil or criminal, wherein the real or personal property 
of the United States was not affected. 

Taxes have never been claimed by the State authori- 

* Official Records, U. S. M. A. 



History of AVest Point. 13 

ties but once (in 1828), and then only the road-tax was 
demanded ; but, in consideration of the liberal repairs 
habitually made by the Government, it was relinquished.* 

A portion of the Moore patent having been offered for 
sale by the State of New York, for the payment of quit- 
rents, was purchased by William S. Watkins in 1828, and 
sold by him, in 1833, to Timothy Mahoney. A suit for 
trespass having been instituted against the latter, and the 
illegality and impossibility of his holding the land having 
been made manifest, in 1839, Mahoney determined to 
avoid trouble by giving a quit-claim to the United 
States. 

When the Moore and Congreve patents were purchased 
by the United States, Hugh McCleUan, a Revolutionary 
soldier, occupied a small house on the patent first named ; 
and in consequence of distinguished services, the soldier 
was permitted by General Knox, then Secretary of War, 
to remain in occupancy and cultivate a garden. McClel- 
lan accordingly lived and died on the spot undisturbed, 
leaving a widow and daughter. The latter, having mar- 
ried, remained on the premises to aid and assist her aged 
mother. After the lapse of a few years, her husband 
claimed the whole of Moore's patent as the property of 
his wife, on the plea that, under the laws of the State of 
New York, McClellan had acquired a title to the land by 
years of undisputed possession, and that his own wife 
was the only lawful heiress. 

A suit for ejectment was instituted, and a judgment, 
rendered in 1839, decided in favor of the United States. 

A third suit for trespass, brought against Andrew 

* Pub. Doc, 1848. 



14 History of West Point. 

Swim, for the recovery of a portion of the Ludlow patent, 
which had also been sold for the payment of quit-rents, 
resulted in the removal and ejectment of the trespasser, 
in 1840.* 

The annoyances caused by these parties led to a new 
survey of the boundaries of the pubhc lands in April, 
1839, and the lines as then established have remained 
unchanged to the present day. 

The intervals between the granting of the patents and 
the transfer of the titles, before described, down to the 
period at which the American Revolution commenced, 
are blanks in historical literature. 

No traditions even of early settlers are extant, and the 
probabilities are, that beyond a settlement made to 
secure a title or grant, West Point — being in a region of 
primary stratified rocks, heavily covered with drift depos- 
its, and without a suitable soil for cultivation — remained 
a mere wood-land tract, possessing no higher value than 
attaches to similar adjoining points in the Highlands, 
which have ^'emained unsettled and uncultivated to the 
present day. 

Even after hostilities commenced, its importance as a 
key to the passage of the Hudson remained, for a period 
of nearly three years, practically of no interest to the 
Provincial or Continental authorities. 

f The student of American history is familiar with the 
fact, that to obtain control of the navigation of the Hud- 
son River, Avas a favorite project with the British Govern- 
ment, during the whole progress of the War of Inde- 
pendence. 

* Official Records, U. S. M. A. f Munsell's Historical Series, No. V. 




I/I.lf'x 



yO^iif^ '^"U 






V 



History of West Point. 15 

In order to a proper understanding of the reasons on 
which this project was based, we should examine with 
some attention the topography of the river, not simply as 
limited to the section of country through which its waters 
flow, but taking a broader view, and regarding its con- 
nection with those more remote and wide-spread regions, 
that find through it their most direct and natural chan- 
nel to the seaboard. 

Even at the present day, when the skilled enterprise 
of a numerous and commercial people has linked the in- 
terior to the coast, by many and various artificial chan- 
nels, the great thoroughfare of the State of New York 
holds a pre-eminent position, mainly due to its unrivalled 
natural advantages. But these advantages were of 
paramount importance, both before and during the Revo- 
lutionary struggle, when the canoe of the Indian, or the 
bateau of the voi/ageur, furnished the most convenient 
and speedy transportation, for purposes either of com- 
merce or of war. Then, to the north, at the head of boat 
navigation, the Hudson was connected by an easy port- 
age with Lakes George and Champlain, and through 
them with the St. Lawrence, the great river of the Cana- 
das ; whilst, towards the west, its principal affluent, the 
Mohawk, gave easy access, scarcely interrupted by a few 
short portages, to the basin of the great lakes, and to the 
magnificent river system of the Mississippi. 

Thus established by nature as the main artery, con- 
necting a vast network of interior water communications 
with the Atlantic, and draining the resources of almost 
half a continent, the Hudson occupied a position of the 
highest strategic importance. 

The British Government had been taught this fact in 



16 History of West Point. 

the course of the long struggle between England and 
France, then but recently terminated. They knew that 
by the possession of the Hudson they could separate the 
eastern part of the Province of New York and the Prov- 
inces of New England from the remainder of the Confed- 
eracy, and thus, by cutting off communication betw^een 
these points, speedily reduce the patriots to subjection. 
Hence, in a letter dated London, July 31st, 1775, con- 
veying to the colonists the plan of operations decided 
upon by the British Government, it is said that their 
design is; "to get possession of New York and Albany; 
to fill both of these cities with very strong garrisons ; to 
declare all rebels who do not join the King's forces ; to 
command the Hudson and East rivers with a number of 
small men-of-war, and cutters, stationed in different parts 
of it, so as to cut off all communication by water between 
New York and the Provinces to the northward of it, and 
between New York and Albany, except for the King's 
service ; and to prevent also all communication between 
the city of New York and the Provinces of New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, and those to the southward of them. By 
these means," continues the letter, "the Administration 
and their friends fancy that they shall soon either starve 
out or retake the garrisons of Crown Point and Ticon- 
deroga, and open and maintain a safe intercourse and 
correspondence between Quebec, Albany, and New York, 
and thereby afford the fairest opportunity to their soldiery 
and the Canadians, in conjunction with the Indians, to 
be procured by G. J.,* to make continual irruptions into 
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and so 

* Col. Guy Johnson, a son-in-law of Sir William Johnson, Superintendent of 
Indian affairs of the Province of New York. 



History of West Point. 17 

distract and divide the Provincial forces as to render it 
easy for the British Army at Boston to defeat them, 
break the spirits of the Massachusetts people, depopulate 
their country, and compel an absolute subjection to Great 
Britain."* 

But the colonists were equally familiar with the im- 
portance of maintaining possession of the river. In a 
report submitted by the Provincial Congress of New York 
to the Continental Congress, early in 1775, the subject 
is thus treated: "If the enemy persist in their plan of 
subjugating these States to the yoke of Great Britain, 
they must, in proportion to their knowledge of the country, 
be more and more convinced of the necessity of their 
becoming masters of the Hudson river, which will give 
them the entire command of the water communication 
with the Indian nations, effectually prevent all intercourse 
between the eastern and southern Confederates, divide 
our strength, and enfeeble every effort for our common 
preservation and security. That this was their original 
plan, and that General Carlton and General Howe flattered 
themselves with the delusive hope of uniting their forces 
at Albany, every intelligence confirms, and it appears to 
the Committee that they will not give up this grand 
object until they shall finally relinquish the project of 
enslaving America.''^ 

With this brief explanation of the natural causes which 
gave to the Hudson river its importance in the struggle 
for Independence, and of the plans adopted by the British 
Government to secure its control, Ave come to consider 
some of the means employed by the colonists to defeat 

* Jour, of the Proy. Cong, of N. T., 172, f Jour. Prov. Cong. K Y., 723. 



18 History of West Point. 

the efforts of the English. The general operations of the 
Continental forces are amply detailed in our histories. 
Still, there are many facts of interest which have not been 
recorded, especially in regard to the Fortifications in the 
Highlands, and the character of the obstruction to the 
navigation of the river. To supply details in reference 
to these subjects, will constitute an interesting section in 
this history. 

The plan of operations adopted by the British Govern- 
ment, while aiming at general results, immediately involved 
the Province of New York; and hence the Congress of 
that Province took early steps to prevent its consumma- 
tion. Prior to the recej)tion of the letter of July 31st, 
already quoted, the Provincial Congress had taken action 
upon the subject of fortifying the Highlands and obstruct- 
ing the navigation of the river, and had invited the prompt 
action of the Continental Congress. 

On the 25th Ma?/, 1775, the latter body communicated 
to the former a series of resolutions in reference to the 
defence of New York, one of which is as follows : 

" Resolved, That a post be taken in the Highlands, on 
each side of the Hudson river, and batteries erected ; and 
that experienced persons be immediately sent to examine 
said river, in order to discover where it will be most 
advisable and proper to obstruct the navigation."* 

This Resolution received the action of the Provincial 
Congress at its session held Ma?/ 30th, 1775, when the 
following order was passed : 

" Ordered, That Col. Clinton and Mr. Tappan be a 
Committee (and that they take to their assistance such 
persons as they shall think necessary) to go to the High- 

* Jour. ProT. Cong., 16. 



History of West Point. 19 

lands and view the banks of the Hudson River there; and 
report to this Congress the most proper place for erecting 
one or more fortifications, and likewise an estimate of the 
expense of erecting the same."* 

This Committee made a report on the loth of June, 
1775, in which they suggested the erection of what were 
afterwards known as Forts Constitution, Clinton, and Mont- 
gomery. In their report they also say: 

" Your Committee begs leave to observe, that they are 
informed that by means of four or five Booms, chained 
together on one side of the river, ready to be drawn 
across, the passage can be closed up to prevent any vessel 
passing or repassing.''^ 

On the \Wi of August, 1775, the Provincial Congress 
passed the following resolution : 

" Resolved and ordered, That the Fortifications form- 
erly ordered by the Continental Congress [May 25, 
1775], and reported by a Committee of this Congress, as 
proper to be built on the banks of Hudson's River, in the 
Highlands, be immediately erected. Mr. Walton dis- 
sents. And that Mr. Isaac Sears, Mr. John Berrien, 
Colonel Edward Flemming, Mr. Anthony Rutgers, and 
Mr. Christopher Miller, be Commissioners to manage the 
erecting and finishing the fortifications. That any three 
or more of them be empowered to act, manage, and direct 
the building and finishing thereof." 

* Jour. ProT. Cong., 20. f Ibid., 41. 




jaAi;Tii:i.Ai!.u b uuci^. y^tjuriSTiTUTIO. 



CHAPTER II. 



Entranck to the Upper Highlands. — Martelaer's Eock. — Ar- 
rival OF THE Commissioners with Col. Eomans, the Engi- 
neer. — Possession taken of the Island. — Correspondence 
WITH Col. Beverly Robinson. — Controversy between Romans 
AND THE Commissioners. — A Garrison ordered to Fort Con- 
stitution. — First Proposition to occupy West Point and 
erect Redouts on the east side of the River. — Removal of 
Romans, and Report of the Commissioners en route to Can- 
ada. — Order of Washington for a Board of Officers to 
Report upon the Condition of the Fortifications in the 
Highlands. — Report of the Board. 

The Hudson Eiver, in passing the upper Highlands, 
flows south through the gorge between abrupt and lofty 
mountains for a distance of nearly eight miles ; the chan- 
nel then changes east about one-fourth of a mile, and, 
thence changing, again pursues its southerly direction. 
Projecting half way across the river, and forming the 
left bank opposite AVest Point on the north, between the 
two right angles made by the channel, is an island ; its 



History of West Point. 21 

west and northwestern sides are formed of bold and in- 
accessible precipices, while on the east is a large flag 
meadow, partially drained by ditches recently cut through 
it. This island, nowhere more than one hundred and 
thirty-four feet high, is probably two miles in circumfer- 
ence, and half a mile in width from north to south. It 
is covered with timber of an inferior description, and un- 
cultivated, except on its southern and eastern edges. 

The marsh meadow on the east, separated now from 
the island by the Hudson River Railroad, contains about 
three hundred acres, and the island probably two hun- 
dred and fifty. 

Previous to, and at the commencement of the Revolu- 
tion, this island was knoAvn as Martelaers Rock Island, 
and otherwise as Martlers Rock, or Martyr s Cliff. The 
name is derived from a French family named Mafielaire, 
who resided upon, or in its vicinity, about the year 1720. 
After the erection of the fortification known as Fort Con- 
stitution, the island received, and has retained to the 
present day, the name of Constitution Island^' 

" The Commissioners appointed by the Provincial Con- 
gress, accompanied by an escort of twenty-four men and 
Col. Bernard Romans,'\ as an engineer, arrived at the 

, , * Hist. Putnam Co. 

f Bernard Romans was born in Holland, but early in life removed to England, 
where he studied the profession of an engineer, and was employed as such by 
the British Government in America some time before the Revolution. Subse- 
quently he was employed as a botanist, under the auspices of the same govern- 
ment ; and while in New York, engaged in the publication of a Natural History of 
Florida, he was offered a position as military engineer by the New York Commit- 
tee of Safety. In this capacity he submitted to Congress, on the 18th September, 
1775, plans for fortifications to be erected in the Highlands opposite to West Point 
(Am. Archives, III.). Colonel Romans remained in service (Captain Pennsyl- 
vania Artillery, Feb. 8, 1776) until near the close of the war, when he was cap- 
tured at sea by the British, en route from New Haven or New London to Charles- 
ton, S. C. He is reported to have died about 1783. 

3 



22 History of West Point. 

island on the 29tli of August, 1775, and immediately 
commenced the erection of the first of the ' Fortifications 
in the Highlands.' " 

The " Fortifications in the Highlands" embraced not 
only the works to be erected on Constitution Island, but 
those also on Fort Hill, directly east of " Garrison's Sta- 
tion," known as the North and South Redoubts [the lat- 
ter afterwards called Middle Redoubt] ; one on Sugar-loaf 
Mountain, and the two Forts, Montgomery and Clinton, 
on the north and south sides of Pooplopen's Kill. 

The New York Committee of Safety, to whom had 
been intrusted the management of public afilairs during 
the recess of the Provincial Congress, transmitted to the 
Continental Congress, on the 19th of September, the 
plans, estimates, and report, prepared by Colonel Romans, 
of the works then in process of construction at Martelaer's 
Rock Island. 

From the accompanying report it appears that Colonel 
Romans proposed to erect five block-houses ; barracks, 
eighty by twenty feet; store-houses and guard-room, 
sixty by twenty feet ; five batteries, mounting sixty-one 
guns and twenty swivels ; a fort with bastions, and a 
curtain two hundred feet in length; a magazine, — and the 
whole was estimated at <£4,645 4^. 4:cL 

On the same day the Committee forwarded the plans 
of Mr. Romans to Congress, the following note was ad- 
dressed to Colonel Beverly Robinson, with a view to the 
purchase of the island, of wdiich he was reputed to be 
the owner : 

"In Committee of Safety, 

''New York, Sept. 19th, 1775. 

" Sir : — By order of the Continental Congress, founded 



History of West Point. 23 

on the necessities of the present times, the Provincial 
Congress of this Colony has undertaken to erect a fortifi- 
cation on your land, opposite to the West Point, in the 
Highlands, As the Provincial Congress by no means in- 
tend to invade private property, this Committee, in their 
recess, have thought proper to request you to put a 
reasonable price upon the whole point of dry land, or 
island, called Martelaer's Rock Island ; which price, if 
they approve of it, they are ready to pay you for it. 
" We are. Sir, your humble servants. 

" To Beveelt Robinson, Esq., at his seat in the HigUands." 

" In Peovincial Congeess, New Yoek, ^tJi October^ Vl*lh. 

" A letter from Beverly Robinson, Esq., was read and 
filed, and is in the following words, to wit : 

"Highlands, October 2d, 1775. 

" Sir : — Your letter of the nineteenth of September I 
received a few days ago, in answer to which I must in- 
form you that the point of land on which the fort is 
erecting does not belong to me, but is the property of 
Mrs. Ogilvie and her children. Was it mine, the public 
should be extremely welcome to it. The building a fort 
there can be no disadvantage to the small quantity of 
arable land on the island. I have only a proportion of 
the meadow land, that lays on the east side of the 
island. 

" I am. Sir, your most humble servant, 

" Bev. Robinson. 

" To John Haeing, Esq., 

" Chairman of the Committee of Safety, at New York." 

In the mean time the Commissioners, Bedlow, Grenell, 
and Bayard, writing from Fort Constitution, Sept. 25, 
1775, strongly urged upon the Committee of Safety, that 
Romans's plan was not sufficient, and being but a tempo- 
rary expedient, the ruin of the Province would be insured 
if the position were permitted to fall into the possession 
of the enemy. 



24 History of West Point. 

To these objections the Committee rej^lied, that upon 
the re-assembling of the Provincial Congress, the subject 
would be laid before them. 

As might have been anticipated, the Commissioners 
and Romans soon became involved in an unpleasant con- 
troversy; the former claiming, as superintendents, the 
right to approve or reject his plans, and to direct the 
mode of operations, while they openly declared the ex- 
pense to be greater than the Province could tolerate. 
Romans as emphatically informed the Commissioners 
that they had simply to furnish men and money, and 
while by virtue of his appointment he would build the 
works, they must reserve their condemnation or approval 
until the Fortification was completed. 

The Continental Congress, while debating Romans's 
plans early in October, passed a resolution of inquiry as 
to the propriety of constructing a battery at '''• Moore s 
house' [situated in what is now known as Washington's 
Valley], and at a point on the west side of the river, 
above Verplanck's [now Caldwell's Landing]. 

To this inquiry the Commissioners replied on the 16th 
of October, noting the progress of the works on the 
island, and declaring that a battery at " Moore's house" 
would be entirely useless. The point above Verplanck's 
they pronounced too easy of access, but at Pooplopen's 
Kill, opposite Anthony's Nose, they earnestly recom- 
mended that defences be erected. This is the earhest 
mention made of the position afterwards known as Fort 
Montgomery. 

The Provincial Congress, on the 3d of November, hav- 
ing ordered three companies to proceed to, and constitute 
the garrison at Martelaer's Rock, it was '^ResolvecV on the 



History of West Point. 25 

8th, by the Continental Congress, " That a Commander, 
Avith the rank of Colonel, be appointed to take command of 
the Fortifications or Fortresses in the Highlands on Hud- 
son's River." On the same day this body further appoint- 
ed Robert R. Livingston, Robert Treat Paine, and J. 
Langdon a Committee, to " take an accurate view of the 
state of our Fortifications on Hudson's River, and to report 
as soon as it can be conveniently done." 

This Committee reported to John Hancock, the Presi- 
dent of Congress, on the 23d of November, " That the 
Fortress at Martelaer's Rock was in charge of Messrs. 
Grenell, Bedlow, and Lanman, Commissioners appointed 
by the Provincial Congress to superintend the work, 
which was carried on by Mr. Romans, agreeably to his 
plans presented to Congress. We must own," continues 
the report, " that we found the Fort in a less defensible 
situation than we had reason to expect. It does not 
command the reach to the southward, nor can it injure a 
vessel turning the West Point; and after she has got 
around, a small breeze, or even the tide, will enable a 
ship to pass the curtain in a few minutes. 

" The Fortress is unfortunately commanded by all the 
grounds about it ; but the most obvious defect is, that the 
grounds on the West Point are higher than the Fortress, 
behind which an enemy might land without the least 
danger. In order to render the position impassable, it 
seems necessary that this place should be occupied, and 
batteries thrown up on the shore opposite, where they 
may be erected with little expense, as the earth is said 
to be pretty free from stone, &c."* 

* Am. Arch., IV., III., 1657. 



26 History of West Point. 

This is the first official recommendation to occupj West 
Point, and establish batteries on the east side of the 
river, near Garrison's, on record [Nov. 23, 1775]. 

From Fort Constitution, December 7, the Commission- 
ers again reported to the Provincial Congress, that " the 
point at Pooplopen's Kill is the best by far for any de- 
fensive works in the Highlands, and that a battery there 
would command the river up and -down, the length of 
point-blank shot." 

The controversy with Colonel Romans at this time had 
attained such proportions, and was accompanied with 
such exhibitions of warmth, that Messrs. NicoU, Palmer, 
and Drake were directed by the Provincial Congress to 
repair to the Highlands, and there endeavor to adjust the 
difference between the parties. 

Mr. Palmer, on the part of this Committee, reported on 
the 14th of December, that Romans "must, either have 
mistaken the charge committed to him, or else he has 
assumed powers with which he was not intrusted." The 
report reiterated the opinion before given, that the works 
did not sweej) the river southward ; and to effect this a 
barbette battery on the Gravel Hill, on the southeast 
shore of the island, to mount eight eighteen-pound guns, 
was recommended. [The Hudson River Railroad now 
skirts the Gravel HiU.] The Committee were earnest in 
the opinion that the works on the island were insufficient, 
and strong in their recommendation to plant a work at 
Pooplopen's Kill, which would mount sixteen or eighteen 
guns, and " sweep the river to the point of the Dunder- 
berg, a distance of three miles, and up the river quite as 
far."* 

* Am. Arch., IV., IV., 421. 



History of West Point. 27 

This report having been favorably received by the 
Provincial, and transmitted to the Continental Congress, 
the latter body, on the 5th January, 1776, '^Resolved, 
That no further Fortifications ought to be erected at Mar- 
telaer's Rock on the Hudson River, and that a point of 
land at Pooplopen's Kill, on said river, ought to be 
ejffectually fortified without delay."* On the 15th of 
February following, notwithstanding the foregoing reso- 
lution, Congress authorized the erection of the barbette 
battery on the Gravel Hill before mentioned, to mount 
eighteen heavy guns. And further Resolved, " That a 
redoubt be erected on the eminence on the east side of 
the river opposite the West Point, to mount thirty guns," 
urging at the same time the early completion of works at 
Pooplopen's Kill. In the mean time, and in compliance 
with the resolution of Congress, the Committee of Safety 
appointed, on January 16th, Colonel Isaac Nicoll to the 
command of the Fortifications in the Highlands ; and Mr. 
Romans having been superseded by Col. Smith, Engi- 
neer, ordered up by General Lee, the barbette battery 
on the island was laid out by him — so wrote the Commis- 
sioners, Feb. 29th — ''much to our satisfaction. "f 

On the 20th of March, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel 
Chase, and Charles Carroll of Carrolton, were appointed 
by the Continental Congress, Commissioners to visit Can- 
ada, and invite the co-operation of the people of that 
Province in the strusrarle for freedom. 

While en route to their destination, they arrived "off 
Constitution Fort, April 5th," and going ashore, "from 
curiosity," they reported the state of the Fort as follows : 

* Am. Arch., IV., IV., 1033. f Am. Arch., IV., Y., 326. 



28 History of West Point. 

The garrison consisted of three companies of minute-men, 
whose combined strength was 124 men, "On the south 
bastion, thirteen six-pounders and one nine-pounder were 
mounted; the east bastion mounted seven nine-jDOunders 
and one six-pounder. The block-house contained eight 
double fortified four-pound guns, mounted; and that the 
fortifications ordered by Congress on the 15th of Feb- 
ruary, and laid out by Engineer Smith, remain wholly 
neglected." 

At this time the head-quarters of the army were in 
New York. On the 4th of May, Washington directed 
Lieut.-Col. Livingston, of Col. James Clinton's regiment, 
to repair to the Highlands and relieve Col. Nicoll of the 
command, to which he was but temporarily assigned. 
The latter, however, refused to be superseded, and 
remained until discharged by the Provincial Congress, on 
the 8th of June. Col. James Clinton followed Livingston, 
and, arriving on the 20th of May, reported to head- 
quarters that he had discharged all the Commissioners 
except two, which he would retain until an Engineer was 
sent to him. 

On the 21st of May, Washington wrote Gen. Putnam, 
then in the city and under his command : — " I have great 
reason to think that the Fortifications in the Highlands 
are in a bad situation, and the garrison, on account of 
arms, worse. 

" I would have you send Brigadier Lord Stirling, with 
Col. Putnam, and Col. Knox (if he can be spared), to see 
and report such alterations as may be judged necessary 
for putting them into a fit and proper position for de- 
fence."* 

* Am. Arch., IV., YL, 534. 



History of West Point. ^ 29 

Putnam reported, on the 27th of May, that Lord 
Stirling, Col. Putnam, and Captain Sargeant left on this 
mission the day before. 

The report of this Board is given at length, because 
the works, and the grounds adjacent thereto, were then 
surveyed for the first time by officers possessing military 
experience, and whose opinions were valuable and pow- 
erful in deciding the after operations on the points in 
question. 

Lord Stirling to General Washington.'^ 

"JuNEl, 1776. 
" Sir : — Agreeable to your request, I left New York 
on Sunday last, in order to view the fortifications on the 
Hudson's River in the Highlands. I took with me Colonel 
[Rufus] Putnam, Chief Engineer, and Captain Sargeant, 
of the Artillery. The winds were so adverse that we 
did not reach Fort Montgomery until Wednesday even- 
ing; but, with the help of our boat, we employed our 
time in visiting several other parts of the river that 
appeared proper for fortifying. At the mouth, or south 
end of the Highlands, about four miles below Fort Mont- 
gomery, there is a post [Stoney Point] which to me 
appears well worth possessing on many accounts ; should 
the enemy be in possession of it, we should be cut ofi* 
from our best communication with the whole country 
below the Highlands, eastward as Avell as westward. 
There is a very remarkable spot of ground [Verplanck's 
Point], easily fortified, which commands the passage of 
the river as well as either of the other posts j it also 

* Am. Arch., IV., VI., 672. 



30 History of West Point. 

commands the mouth and knding of Peek's Kill, from 
which there is an excellent road into Connecticut, which 
is only twenty miles off; on the opposite side is an 
excellent road into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 
the passage from this place to Fort Montgomery is a 
large island, which would be A^ery useful to the enemy in 
their approaches to that place. 

" Fort Montgomery is situated on the west bank of the 
river, which is there about half a mile broad, and the 
bank one hundred feet high ; on the opposite shore is a 
point of land called Anthony's Nose, which is many hun- 
dred feet high, very steep, and inaccessible to any thing 
but goats, or men very expert in climbing. A body of 
riflemen placed here would be of very great use in an- 
noying an enemy, as the decks of every vessel that 
passes must lie open to them. 

" The works begun and designed at Fort Montgomery 
are open lines, and all lie on the north side of a small 
creek called Pooplopen's Kill, on the south side of which 
is a point of land which projects more into the river, 
commands all the principal works, and is within two and 
three hundred yards of them. On the top of this point 
is a level spot of ground, of near an acre, commanded by 
nothing but the high, inaccessible mountains, at about 
twelve hundred yards distance ; this spot, I think, should 
by all means be fortified, as well for the annoyance of 
the enemy in their approach up the river, as for the pro- 
tection of the works at Fort Montgomery. Indeed, this 
appears to me the most proper place I have seen on the 
river to be made the grand post; and, in my opinion, 
should be a regular strong work, capable of resisting 
every kind of attack, and of containing a grand magazine 



History of West Point. 31 

of all kinds of warlike stores. The whole would then 
command the passage of the river with so formidable a 
cross fire as would deter any attempt to approach with 
shipping. Those works built are all faced with fascines, 
and filled in with strong, good loam ; but as they are 
liable to take fire, the Commissioners who have the care 
and direction of the works, propose to roughcast the 
faces of the embrasures with a strong mortar made of 
quicklime and sharp sand, of which there is plenty at 
hand. I advised them to try the experiment on part of 
the work as soon as possible. As these open lines are 
entirely defenceless on the land side, it will be very 
proper to erect a small redoubt on the hill, in the rear of 
them. 

" Fort Constitution is about six miles above Fort Mont- 
gomery, on an island near the east side of the river, and 
near the north end of the Highlands, which on the west 
and south sides is bounded by the river, and on the 
north and east sides by low marsh and small creeks run- 
ning through it. The works here consist of four open 
lines or batteries, fronting the river; the two eastern- 
most command the approach up the river very well ; the 
next, or middle line, commands the approach from West 
Point upwards ; the westernmost battery is a straight 
line, constructed by Mr. Romans, at a very great ex- 
pense ; it has fifteen embrasures, which face the river at 
a right angle, and can only annoy a ship in going past ; 
the embrasures are within twelve feet of each other ; the 
merlons on the outside are but about two feet in the face, 
and about seven feet deep, made of square timber cov- 
ered with plank, and look very neat; he also built a 
log-house or tower on the highest cliff, near the water, 



32 History of West Point. 

mounted with eight cannon (four-pounders) pointed out 
of the garret windows, and looks very picturesque. 
Upon the whole, Mr. Romans has displayed his genius 
at a very great expense, and to very little public advan- 
tage. The works, in their present open condition and 
scattered situation, are defenceless ; nor is there one 
good place on the island on which a redoubt may be 
erected that will command the whole ; however, I have 
marked in the plan (No. 3) those heights which are most 
commanding; yet every work on the island is com- 
manded by the hill on the West Point, on the opposite 
side of the river, within five hundred yards, where there 
is a level piece of land of near fifty acres in extent. A 
redoubt on this West Point is absolutely necessary, not 
only for the preservation of Fort Constitution, but for its 
own importance on many accounts. One also is neces- 
sary at the west end of the island, to command the ap- 
proach that way, and to prevent a landing at the north 
side of the island. An easy communication by land, as 
well as by water, may be made with Fort Montgomery 
from the West Point. 

" The garrison of Fort Constitution consists of two com- 
panies of Colonel James Clinton's regiment, and Captain 
Wisner's company of minute-men, in all about one hun- 
dred and sixty, rank and file. The garrison at Fort 
Montgomery consists of three companies of the same 
regiment, amounting to about two hundred men, rank and 
file. The field-officer of the regiment is Lieutenant- 
Colonel Livingston ; but the command of the whole of 
both garrisons is still in the hands of Colonel Nicoll, who, 
it seems, last fall raised a regiment of minute-men for 
the purpose of garrisoning Fort Constitution, which regi- 



History of West Point. 33 

ment is all dismissed except Captain Wisner's Company 
of about forty privates. Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston 
has very prudently avoided any dispute with Col. NicoU 
about the command, rather referring the matter to your 
Excellency's determination. The whole of the troops at 
both these posts are miserably armed, as will appear by 
the return (No. 4). Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston informs 
me he has lately received about forty fire-locks, all in 
very bad order, from the Committees of Dutchess County, 
and expects several hundred more m a few days in the 
same condition. I have therefore directed the black- 
smith's shop at Fort Constitution to be enlarged, so that 
it will at the same time serve for an armory. A black- 
smith's shop and armory of the like kind, I have directed 
at Fort Montgomery, and the artificers in those branches 
in Clinton's Regiment to be employed in them. 

" The direction of the works at both these forts is in the 
hands of Commissioners appointed by the Provincial 
Congress of New York. Two Commissioners, with four 
carpenters, two blacksmiths and seven attendants, are at 
Fort Constitution ; two Commissioners, one clerk, fifteen 
carpenters, and four masons, are at Fort Montgomery ; 
the pay of these amounts to at least eight hundred dollars 
per month, besides their provisions, &c. One good engi- 
neer, with artificers from the army, might, I think, do 
the whole business as well. 

"The artillery and ordnance stores, at these posts, 
appear by Captain Sargent's reports herewith (No. 6). 
The cannon in general are, to all appearance, excellent 
of their kind, excepting two nine and three six-pounders, 



34 History of West Point. 

which are dubious. There are also, I am informed, six 
cannon, six-pounders, four of them good and two dubious, 
at New Windsor, a place about six miles above Fort 
Constitution ; they had better be brought down to Fort 
Montgomery. 

" Considering the different directions all these matters 
are under, I have avoided giving any determinate orders 
about them, but it is highly necessary that explicit orders 
should soon issue. 

"I am your Excellency's most humble servant, 
(Signed) " Stirling. 

" To his Excellency, Gbnebal Washington." 



History of West Point. 



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I do hereby certify the above to be a true return. 
(Signed) Isaac Nicoll, 

Commissar?/ of stores. 



36 History of West Point. 

No. 5. 

COMMISSIONERS, SUPERINTENDENTS, MECHANICS, ETC., AT THE 
WORKS CARRYING ON AT FORT CONSTITUTION. 

Two Commissioners, — William Becllow and Jonathan 
Lawrence. 

One Clerk of the Check, — Jonathan Lawrence, Jr. 

One Steward, — Adolph Delgrove. 

Mechanics at work : — 4 Carpenters, 2 Blacksmiths, 
1 Overseer, 1 Cook for the Commissioners, 1 Cook for 
the Artificers, 1 Waiter on the Commissioners, 1 Seaman 
in care of the barge. 

The Sloop Liberty, Henry Palmer, in the service of 

Fort Constitution and Fort Montgomery : Master and 

two hands. 

(Signed) William Bedlow. 

Fort Constitution, May 31, 1776. 



RETURN OF PERSONS EMPLOYED AT FORT CONSTITUTION. 

2 Commissioners, pay 10s. per day each 

2 Waiters, 53s. 4d. 

4 Carpenters, at 6s. per day each - 
1 Overseer, 80s. per month - - 
1 Clerk, at 100s. . - - - 

1 Steward, at 100s. - - - - - 
1 Cook, at 53s. 4d. - - - - 
1 Hired man, at 53s. 4d. -. - - - 
1 Blacksmith, at 6s. per day 
1 Blacksmith ------ 

£104 
FoET Constitution, May 31, 1776. 



Per Month. 


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5 6 


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4 





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History of West Point. 



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38 History of West Point. 

The views contained in Lord Stirling's report were 
transmitted by Washington, on June 10th, to the officers 
in charge at Fort Constitution, and the desire expressed 
to have them adopted with as little delay as possible. 
In acknowledging their receipt. Colonel Livingston called 
attention to the omission in the copy of the importance 
" of throwing up a work on a point called West Point, 
directly opposite to us, which would be easy of access to 
our enemies should they pass or take Fort Montgomery. 
If," said this efficient officer, " I could obtain your Ex- 
cellency's approbation, a work should be immediately 
thrown up on this place." 

At this time, while Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston 
held the immediate charge of Fort Constitution, the 
whole command in the Highlands was exercised by Colo- 
nel James Clinton, who was more particularly interested 
in the construction of the works at Pooplopen's Kill, and 
which, as early as the 14th of May, had been commenced 
under Messrs. Palmer and Livingston, Commissioners un- 
der the Provincial Congress.* 

* Am. Arch., lY., V., 1414 



History of West Point. 39 



CHAPTER III. 

Appointment of a Secret Committee for Obstructing the Chan- 
nel OF the Hudson. — Their Action and Letter to Washing- 
ton. — Assignment of General Geo. Clinton to Command in 
the Highlands. — General Clinton and other Officers ex- 
amine THE "Works and Report upon the Necessity of a Boom 
AND Chain at Fort Montgomery. — Major-General Putnam ap- 
pointed to Command. — Advance of Sir Henry Clinton up the 
Hudson to Co-operate with General Burgoyne. — Assault 
AND Capture of Forts Montgomery and Clinton, 

The suggestions of the Committee of Ju7ie 13th, 1775 
(p. 14), in regard to ohstructi7ig the navigation of the 
river, do not, however, appear to have been acted upon, 
further than to order the survey mentioned, until the 
subsequent year (1776) ; when, on the 16th of July, a 
few days after the Declaration of Independence, the Pro- 
vincial Convention* again took up the matter, and ap- 
pointed a Secret Committee to take the whole subject in 
charge, as will be seen by the following resolutions : 

" Resolved, unanimously. That a Secret Committee be ap- 
pointed to devise and carry into execution such measures 
as to them shall appear most eiFectual for obstructing the 
channel of the Hudson River, or annoying the enemy's 
ships in their passage up said river ; and that this Con- 
vention pledge themselves for defraying the charges inci- 
dent thereto. 

''Resolved, That Mr. Jay, Mr. Robert Yates, Major C. 
Tappan, Mr. Robert R. Livingston, and Mr. Paulding, be 
said Committee." 

* The title of the Legislature of the State was changed on the 10th July, It^G, 
from Congress to Convention. 



40 History of West Point. 

The proceedings of this Secret Committee, appointed 
16th July, 1776, have been recently discovered by Mr. 
James C. Bolton, among the papers of his grandfather, 
General James Clinton. Besides these minutes, Mr. 
Bolton has found maps of the Chain at Fort Montgomery, 
showing the manner in which it was fastened and floated, 
and the character of the Booms placed in front of it. 
These long-hidden and valuable documents receive ad- 
ditional illustration from a relic of the original obstruc- 
tion at West Point, which was raised from the river's 
bed by Bishop's derrick, in 1855. Collating and combin- 
ing this mass of new and important materials, with that 
to be derived from the proceedings of the Provincial Con- 
vention, and from other previously known sources, we 
find that — 

There were four points at which it was sought to ob- 
struct the navigation of the river, by means, either singly 
or combined, of fii^e-ships, booms and chains, and chevaux- 
de-frise. The first point was at Fort Washington, the 
second at Fort Montgomery, the third at Pollopel's Island, 
and the fourth at West Point. The fire-ships and ob- 
structions at Fort Washington were constructed in the 
summer of 1776; the obstructions at Fort Montgomery 
and PoUopel's Island, in the autumn of 1776 and springs 
of 1777 and 1778 ; and those at West Point in 1778. 

The Secret Committee, on the 17th of July, addressed 
a letter to the Commander-in-chief, soliciting his advice as 
to a plan for the defences of Hudson's River, which, they 
alleged, had been unfortunately too long neglected. To 
this Washington replied on the 21st, detailing his order 
to Lord Stirling, and stating that while he had repeatedly 
urged on Colonel Clinton to spare no pains to put them 



History of West Point. 41 

on the best possible footing, he had reason to suppose 
they were in tolerable order to receive the enemy. On 
the same day Lieutenant Machin was despatched by him 
to Colonel Clinton, as the Engineer of the works in the 
Highlands. He was described as " an ingenious man, 
who was a proper person, and one who had given great 
satisfactitin as an engineer." 

As early as the 15th of July, at the request of the 
Commander-in-chief, General George Clinton had been 
appointed by the Provincial Congress to command the 
newly raised levies, and this officer was now actively co- 
operating with his brother in obstructing the river at 
PoUopel's Island, and expediting the erection of Forts 
Clinton and Montgomery, at Pooplopen's Kill. 

The garrison at Fort Constitution, weakened by de- 
tachments to prosecute the latter operations,* was, on 
the 1st of December, strengthened by the addition of 
two regiments, which, under the command of General 
George Clinton, were to furnish working parties to aid in 
obstructing the channel of the Hudson at PoUopel's 
Island ;f this General being, in addition, specially in- 
structed on the 10th of December, by the New York 
Committee of Safety, in relation to the necessity of se- 
curing the passes in the Highlands, and on " no account 
to place himself beyond the power to regain them. "J 

The spring of 1777 approached, and the task of 
strengthening the defences in the Highlands still con- 
tinued. On the 25th of March, Congress appointed 
George Clinton a brigadier-general, thus transferring 
him from the Provincial rank before held by him, to the 

* Am. Arch., V. HI., 1040. f Am. Arch., Y. in., 348. 

^:Am. Arch, v., III., 1157. 



42 History of West Point. 

Continental Service ; and although, upon the adoption of 
the State Constitution, he was chosen Governor in July, 
he nevertheless continued cordially co-operating in the 
work before mentioned. 

On the 7th of May, from head-quarters at Morristown, 
N. J., Washington wrote Brigadier-General McDougall, 
who had succeeded Brigadier-General Heath in the com- 
mand of the New England troops at Peekskill* and 
vicinity, that the imperfect state of the fortifications at 
Fort Montgomery gave him great uneasiness, and that a 
concurrence of circumstances indicated a movement of 
the enemy up the North River. 

General McDougall was directed, in connection with 
General George Clinton, to employ every measure to put 
the works in a condition to resist a sudden attack, or de- 
tain the enemy until re-enforcements could arrive. f 

In compliance with these instructions, Generals Mc- 
Dougall, Knox, Greene, George Clinton, and Wayne, 
proceeded to examine the works already erected; and on 
the "ITtli of May, these officers submitted a joint report 
to the Commander-in-chief, in which they recommended 
the obstruction of the river at Fort Montgomery by 
stretching a boom or chain across, in front of which 
should be one or two cables, to break the force of a vessel 
before it should strike the chain; that two Continental 
ships then on the spot, and two row-galleys, should be 
manned and stationed just above the obstruction, in such 



* The command of the department in the Highlands and vicinity, inckiding Forts 
Constitution, Montgomery, and Independence, the passes, and the Division of Con- 
necticut and Massachusetts troops, had been assigned to Brigadier-General Heath, 
12th November, 1776 — ^head-quarters at Peekskill. — [Heath's Memoirs, 85.] 

\ Writings of Washington, Sparks, IV., 409. 



History of "West Point. 43 

a manner as to fire upon the enemy's ships in front when 
they approached." They also added : " We are very 
confident, if the obstructions of the river can be rendered 
effectual, the enemy will not attempt to operate by land, 
the passes through the Highlands are so exceedingly 
difficult."* 

Unfortunately, this latter course, by penetrating over- 
land, through the defiles in the mountains, was the very 
one adopted, and so successfully carried out by the 
enemy. 

At this time the command of the forces in and near the 
Highlands had assumed such ^proportions as to require a 
Major-General for its head, and accordingly Major-Gen- 
eral Putnam was directed to relieve General McDougall 
early in the month of May. 

On the 1st of July, from head-quarters at Middlebrook, 
Washington wrote Putnam : * * * "It appears 
almost certain to me that General Howe and General 
Burgoyne design, if possible, to unite their attacks and 
form a junction of their two armies, * * hj ^^^ 
I am persuaded, if General Howe is going up the river, 
he will make a rapid and vigorous push to gain the High- 
land passes. "f 

These indications of an active movement on the part 
of the enemy were continued throughout the summer, 
and served to prepare the way for more decisive results 
in the autumn of 1777. 

"The advance of General Burgoyne from the North 
towards Albany had been checked, and his army was 
suffering from want of provisions, while at the same time 

* Spark's Writings of Washington, IV., 416. f Id., IV., 476. 



44 History of West Point. 

General Howe, with the main body of the army under 
his command, was striiggUng w^ith General Washington 
for the possession of Philadelphia. For the purpose of 
diverting the attention of the American forces, to secure 
the passes in the Highlands, and, if possible, to withdraw 
a portion of General Gates's army from its careful atten- 
tion to General Burgoyne, General Sir Henry Clinton, 
then in command in the city of New York, organized an 
expedition for the capture of the forts in the Highlands, 
and for such other movements in that direction as the 
circumstances might warrant."* 

In addition to the works already mentioned, redoubts 
had been thrown up by the troops encamped around 
Peekskill, at Verplanck's Point, and on the southern base 
of Anthony's Nose. 

" Early in October the British General embarked his 
forces, ostensibly for a southern expedition, and awaited 
a favorable wind for the execution of his real design. 

"The opportunities were propitious, and a powerful 
naval armament, with about four thousand troops on 
board, suddenly menaced Putnam's position and landed 
at Verplanck's Point, the garrison at which retreated on 
the approach of the fleet. Putnam was caught by the 
device ; and, believing the defences on the east side of the 
river to be the object of the British General, obstinately 
refused the entreaties of officers more sagacious than 
himself, to send adequate succors to the posts opposite. 
Nor after the main body of the British had on the next 
day crossed over to Stony Point, and were on their 
march to Forts Clinton and Montgomery, and even after 

* Battles of the U. S., I., 332.— Dawson. 



MAP 

(M" IIm'WVsI Side (.r i|i<. 




DXan Nostrrarf Rjljlishfj 



^'^Jiarmird Sc. 



History of West Point. 45 

the firing was heard at the forts above him, could he be 
persuaded to send forces to the relief of the beleaguered 
posts." 

"But Governor George Clinton was not so easily bhnded. 
As soon as he heard that the fleet was on the fiver, he 
adjourned the Legislature, then in session at Kingston, 
and collecting such militia as could be assembled, pro- 
ceeded to the point to which he had before been assigned 
by Congress. He had scarcely time to throw himself 
with four hundred followers into the works, when the 
British, having deceived Putnam, landed at Stony Point 
at daybreak on the morning of the 6th of October."* 

" Five hundred regulars and four hundred loyal Amer- 
icans under Colonel Beverly Robinson, the whole com- 
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, moved as an 
advanced guard around the Dunderberg to the base of 
Bear Mountain, followed by General Vaughn with twelve 
hundred men. Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell was directed 
to make the detour of Bear Mountain seven miles around 
to the west, and dehouche in rear of Fort Montgomery ; 
while General Vaughn was to proceed eastward between 
the two mountains, accompanied by Sir Henry Clinton, 
and assail Fort Clinton on its south flank and rear. The 
rear-guard, under Ex-Governor General Tryon, was left 
in the valley, at the point of separation of the two 
columns. 

" The former body reached the vicinity of Fort Clinton 
at about 5 p. m., and receiving a scornful refusal from 
the garrison to surrender, commenced the assault at about 
the same moment the first column under Campbell at- 

* Life and Times of Colonel Lamb, 174. — Leake. 



r^ 



46 History of West Point. 

tacked Fort Montgompry, aided by the vessels of war 
which had moved up the river to participate in the con- 
flict."* 

The garrisons, for the most part composed of untrained 
militia, and wholly inadequate to man the extensive lines, 
resisted and repeatedly repulsed with great vigor the 
attack of superior numbers, and not until darkness closed 
around were the six hundred brave defenders over- 
powered. , 

Part of the garrisons were made prisoners, but both 
commanders escaped : Governor George Clinton by a boat 
across the river, while General James Clinton, the com- 
mander of the fort bearing his name, forced his passage 
to the rear. 

A sloop of ten guns, the frigate Montgomery, and two 
row-galleys, stationed near for the defence of the boom 
and chain, were burned to prevent their capture by the 
enemy. The frigate Congress, ordered up the river on 
the 5th, ran on the flats near Fort Constitution, and 
shared the same fate. 

Lighted by the flames of the burning vessels, the fugi- 
tives dispersed through the mountains, and pursuing their 
flight over the plain at West Point, found a resting-spot 
with General James Clinton, at New Windsor. 

"The garrison at Fort Constitution, reduced to a mere 
guard under Captain Gershom Mott, who had there as- 
sumed command on the 9th of August, and now com- 
pletely at the mercy of an enemy's battery if planted at 
West Point, awaited a summons to surrender, borne un- 
der a white flag, on the morning of the 7th. Captain 

* Sir H. Clinton's Despatch. 



History of West Point. 47 

Mott fired on the flag, and that night abandoned the 
island, after burning the barracks and leaving his guns 
unspiked, with a portion of his stores unconsumed. 

" On the morning of the 8th, two thousand men under 
General Tryon proceeded on the fleet from Fort Mont- 
gomery up the river, and landing on the east side, com- 
pleted the demolition of the ' Fortifications in the High- 
lands.' "^ 

Thus was effected, in the brief time of two days, the 
destruction of works and stores which had cost the coun- 
try not less than a quarter of a million of dollars, no por- 
tion of which had been appropriated to the erection of a 
single battery at West Point, so often urged as "the key 
to the passage in the Highlands." 

A portion of the British force, left as a garrison at 
Fort Clinton, commenced its reconstruction under the 
name of Fort Vaughn, while another party made an ex- 
pedition to " Continental Village," on the east side of the 
river, and about four miles distant. 

At this point a large amount of supplies, and barracks 
for fifteen hundred men, were destroyed without moles- 
tation. 

The capture of the army under General Burgoyne 
having been ascertained, the whole expedition abandoned 
the Highlands, after twenty days' occupation, and re- 
turned to New York. 

* Life and Times of Colonel Lamb, 185. Idem, MSS. N. T. Hist. Col. 



48 History of West Point. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Renewed Efforts to Obstruct the Hudson. — Selection of TVest 
Point as a Suitable Place. — Letters of Washington to Put- 
nam AND Clinton upon the Subject. — Appointment of a Com- 
mittee BY THE New York Provincial Convention to confer 
"WITH Putnam. — Report of the Committee, in which they Recom- 
mend THE Fortification of West Point, — Commencement of 
the Works by General Parsons. — Contract made by Colonel- 
Hughes FOR the Great Chain at West Point. — Report of 
General Putnam on the Progress of the Fortifications. — 
Report of General Parsons on the same. — General McDou- 
gall ordered to Relieve General Putnam. — Instructions to 
General Parsons relative to the Construction of the AVorks. 

Immediately after the return of Sir Henry Clinton's 
expedition to New York, the necessity for a more thorough 
fortification of the Highlands engaged the attention of 
those to whom the defence of this most important point 
had been intrusted. 

On the 6th of November, Colonel Hughes wrote General 
Gates from Fishkill : * * * u rpj^^ General, Governor 
Clinton, and General James [Clinton], an Engineer, and 
your humble servant, were at the forts yesterday, viewing 
the River, Bluffs, Points, &c., in order to erect some fur- 
ther obstructions, which are immediately set about. The 
Boom will be near Fort Constitution, and a work on the 
west shore to defend it."f * * From New Windsor, 
on the 24th of November, General Clinton wrote General 
Gates : " I know of no other method of obstructing the 
passage of Hudson's River, but by Chevaux-de-frise, 

t Gates, MSS. N. Y. Hist. CoL 



History of West Point. 49 

Chains, and Booms, well defended by heavy artillery and 
strong works on the shore. The former is impracticable 
at any place lower down than where the present are, 
near this place ; and even there, the river is rather too wide 
to admit of their being properly defended ; they may, 
however, when completed, be a very considerable obstruc- 
tion. This with a chain or boom, at a part of the river 
called the West Point, where it is quite narrow, and the 
wind, owing to the crookedness of the river, very uncer- 
tain, with proper works on the shore to defend it, and 
water-batteries on shore calculated to annoy shipping, 
would, in my opinion, perfectly obstruct the navigation." 
* "'^ * "We have a boom, calculated for the 

narrow part of the river, well forward, but our works go 
on extremely slow indeed, for want of tools,"* &c. * "^^ * 
This feeling of solicitude was not confined to the local 
commanders. The comparative ease with which the 
British expedition had passed the Highlands had awak- 
ened an apprehension of its early repetition in the mind 
of General Washington, who, in a letter dated December 
2d, 1777, instructed General Putnam to consult with 
Governor Clinton, General Parsons, and the French engi- 
neer, Lieutenant^Colonel Radiere, with a view to the 
erection of such "works and obstructions as may be 
necessary to defend and secure the river against any 
future attempts of the enemy." 

The following is Washington's letter : 

"Head-Quarters, 2d December, 1777. 
" Dear Sir : — The importance of the Hudson River in 
the present contest, and the necessity of defending it, 
are subjects which have been so frequently and fully 

* Gates, MSS. N. Y. Hist, Col. 



50 History of West Point. 

discussed, and are so well understood, that it is unneces- 
sary to enlarge upon them. These facts at once appear, 
when it is considered that it runs through a whole State ; 
that it is the only passage by which the enemy from 
New York, or any part of our coast, can ever hope to 
co-operate with an army from Canada ; that the posses- 
sion of it is indispensably essential to preserve the com- 
munication between the Eastern, Middle, and Southern 
States ; and further, that upon its security, in a great 
measure, depend our chief supplies of flour for the sub- 
sistence of such forces as we may have occasion for, in 
the course of the war, either in the Eastern or Northern 
Departments, or in the country lying high up on the 
west side of it. These facts are familiar to all ; they 
are familiar to you. I therefore request you, in the 
most urgent terms, to turn your most serious and active 
attention to this infinitely important object. Seize the 
present opportunity, and employ your whole force and all 
the means in your poiver for erecting and completing ^ as far 
as it shall he possible, such tvorks and obstructions as may 
he necessary to defend and secure the river against any fu- 
ture attempts of the enemy. You will consult Governor 
Clinton, General Parsons, and the French engineer, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Radiere, upon the occasion. By gaining 
the passage, you know the enemy have already laid 
waste and destroyed all the houses, mills and towns ac- 
cessible to them. Unless proper measures are taken to 
prevent them, they will renew their ravages in the 
spring, or as soon as the season w^ill admit, and perhaps 
Albany, the only town in the State of any importance 
remaining in our hands, may undergo a like fate, and a 
general havoc and devastation take place. 



History of West Point. 51 

" To prevent these evils, therefore, I shall expect that 
you will exert every nerve, and employ your whole force 
in future, while and whenever it is practicable, in construct- 
ing and forwarding the proper ivot^ks and means of defence. 
The troops must not be kept out on command, and acting 
in detachments to cover the country below, which is a 
consideration infinitely less important and interesting. 

" I am, dear Sir," &c. 

In a letter to Governor Clinton of the same date. Gen- 
eral Washington expressed much solicitude on the sub- 
ject. Governor Clinton, in reply, assured the Com- 
mander-in-chief of his hearty concurrence in any effort 
that might be agreed upon ; and he gave several import- 
ant hints respecting the construction of new works on 
the river, and especially recommended that a "strong 
fortress should be erected at West Point opposite to Fort 
Constitution."* 

On the same date, Washington also addressed a letter 
to Major-General Gates, directing him, " with a certain 
part of the Northern army, and the assistance of the 
militia of New York and the Eastern States, to attempt 
the recovery of the posts upon the North River from 
the enemy, and to put them, if recovered, in the best 
posture of defence." But General Gates was appointed, 
at about the same time. President of the Board of War, 
and did not act in the matter. Washington also ad- 
dressed a letter, to Governor Clinton, requesting him 
" to take the chief direction of superintendence of this 
business." Governor Clinton replied, that he w^ould co- 
operate with any one charged with the chief direction 

* Sparks's Writings of Washington, V., 178. 



52 History of West Point. 

of the works, but in consideration of his other duties 
must decline the appointment. 

The matter thus remained under the direction of 
General Putnam, who, early in January, 1778, brought 
the subject before the Provincial Convention of New 
York, as apj)ears from the following j)roceedings : — 

"Thuesdat, Jan. 8, 1778. 

" Application being made by Major-General Putnam, 
Commanding Officer of the Middle Department, that this 
Convention would appoint a committee to confer with 
him relative to the necessary works to be constructed 
for the defences of the passes in the Highlands — 

^'^ Resolved, That the General's request be complied 
with, and that Mr. Scott, Mr. Pawling, Mr. Wisner, Mr. 
Snyder, Mr. Killian Van Rensselaer, Mr. Drake, Mr, 
Hathorn, and Mr. Hoffman, be a committee for that pur- 
pose."* 

" Friday, January 9, 1778. 

" General Scott, from the Committee appointed yester- 
day evening, to confer with General Putnam and General 
James Clinton, the Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers, and 
other military officers, relative to the necessary works to 
be constructed for the passes in the Highlands, and the 
place or places where the same ought to be erected, re- 
ported that they had conferred with the said Generals 
and other officers ; that on such conference there was a 
disagreement in sentiment between those gentlemen 
(arising from certain different facts alleged), as to the 
place where such works ought to be erected ; and, there- 
fore, that it was the opinion of the said Committee and 
the military gentlemen, that this Convention appoint 
Commissioners to view the several passes on Hudson 

* Jour. Prov. Conv., 1113. 



History of Wesj. "^-)ii^t. 53 

River, with the Generals and other officers, and advise in 
fixing the places where such fortifications «hould be 
erected. 

'^Resolved, That John Sloss Hobart, Esq., one of the 
Justices of tlie Supreme Court, the Hon. Robert R. Liv- 
ingston, Chancellor of this State, Mr. Piatt, Mr. Wisner, 
and Colonel Hathorn, be, and hereby are, appointed Com- 
missioners for the purpose above mentioned, and proceed 
in that business with all possible despatch."* 

The result of the conference of these two Committees, 
after devoting three days in examining the ground at 
and near West Point, will be found in the following re- 

" Wednesday, January lAth, 1778. 

"Your Committee, who were sent to ascertain the 
place for fixing a chain and erecting fortifications for 
obstructing the navigation of the Hudson River, beg 
leave to report. That they have carefully viewed the 
ground on which Fort Clinton lately stood, and its en- 
virons, and find that the ground is so intersected with 
long, deep hollows, that the enemy might approach with- 
out any annoyance from the garrison within the Fort, to 
within a few yards of the walls, unless a redoubt should 
be raised to clear the hollows next the Fort, which must 
be built at such distance from the Fort that it could not 
be supported from thence in case of an assault, so that 
the enemy might make themselves masters of the re- 
doubt the first dark night after their landing, which 
would be a good work, ready to their hand, for annoying 

* Jour. Prov. Conv., 1113. 



54 H-^ORY .r-Qp -y^Es^ Point. 

the Fort and facilitating their operations against it ; and, 
together with the eminences and broken grounds within 
a short distance of the Fort, would render it impossible 
for the garrison to resist a general assault for many 
hours together. Another objection that appeared to the 
Committee w^as the want of earth on the spot, which 
would reduce the engineer to the necessity of erecting 
his works entirely of timber, which must be brought to 
Pooploop's Kill in rafts, and from thence drawn up a 
steep and difficult road to the top of the hill. The rafts 
cannot be made till the water is warm enough for men to 
work in it, by which it is probable that a Fort cannot be 
erected before the ships of the enemy will come up the 
river. Beside, at this place, the chain must be laid 
across the river, so that it will receive the whole force 
of the ships coming with all the strength of tide and 
wind on a line of three or four miles. Add to these, if 
the enemy should be able to possess themselves of the 
passes in the mountains through which they marched to 
the attacks of Forts Montgomery and Clinton, it would 
be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the militia 
of the country to raise the siege. 

" Upon viewing the country at and about West Point, 
the Committee found that there were several places at 
which the enemy might land and proceed immediately 
to some high grounds that would command a Fort erected 
at West Point, at the distance of six or seven hundred 
yards, from which they might carry on their approaches 
through a light gravelly soil, so that it would be impos- 
sible for the Fort to stand a long siege. But to balance 
this disadvantage in this place, there is j)lenty of earth. 
The timber may be brought to the spot by good roads 



History of West Point. 55 

from the high grounds at the distance of one to three 
miles. Three hundred feet less of chain will be requisite 
at this i^lace than at Fort Clinton. It will be laid across 
in a place where vessels going up the river most usually 
lose their headway.* Water-batteries may be built on 
both sides of the river for protecting the chain and an- 
noying the ships coming up the river, which will be com- 
pletely commanded from the walls of the Fort. There 
are so many passes across the mountains to this place, 
that it will be almost impossible for the enemy to pre- 
vent the militia from coming to the relief of the garrison. 
" From these considerations, the Committee are led to 
conclude that the most proper place to obstruct the navi- 
gation of the river is at West Point ; but are at the same 
time fully convinced that no obstructions on the banks of 
the river can effectually secure the country, unless a body 
of light troops, to consist of at least two thousand effec- 
tive men, be constantly stationed in the mountains while 
the navigation of the river is practicable, to obstruct the 
enemy in their approach by land. 

"Jno. Sloss Hobart, 
"Henry Wisner, 
"John Hathorn, 
" Zeph. Platt. 

" PoTJQHXEEPSiE, Jan. 14iA, l7T8."f 

Immediately following the reception of this report, on 
or about the 20th of January, the brigade of General 

* Those who are acquainted with the place where the obstruction was fastened 
to the shore, will see the force of this description. A point of land here juts out 
into the stream abruptly, and compels vessels, saiUng under even the most favor- 
able breeze, to make such change in their course as will materially lessen their 
headway. 

f Jour. Prov. Conv., 1117. 



56 History of West Poixt. 

Parsons crossed over to the Point, and notwithstanding 
the severity of the winter, and a deep fall of snow on the 
ground, operations were commenced. 

Without shelter, materials for building, or proper tools 
to labor with, a work was laid out on the northeast 
angle of the Plain, and a series of water-batteries com- 
manded by it, were located on the eastern front by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Radiere, Engineer, under the super- 
vision of Major-General Putnam. 

Radiere, an impatient, petulant officer, planned the 
work at the outset, on a scale entirely too large. He 
required means altogether beyond the resources at com- 
mand, and projected curtains, banquettes, and terre- 
pleins sufficient to enclose the greater portion of the 
north and east crest of the river's bank.* 

Embarrassing as this display of science was, the work 
of construction progressed as rapidly as the difficulties 
first mentioned would permit, and zealous means were 
taken to carry out the recommendation of the Commit- 
tee to obstruct the navigation of the river. 

By direction of General Putnam, Hugh Hughes, 
Deputy Quartermaster-General, visited the Stirling Iron 
Worksf of Noble, Townsend and Company on the 2d of 
February, and entered into a contract with the proprie- 
tors to construct a chain. This contract was as fol- 
lows : — 

" Articles of Agreement between Noble, Townsend 
and Company, proprietors of the Stirling Iron Works, 

* Zodiac, Nov., 1835, 67. 

f The Stirling Iron Works are still in operation. They are situated on the 
outlet of Stirling Pond, about five miles southwest of the Sloatsburgh Station, 
on the Erie Railway. They are owned by descendants of ^eter Townsend, and 
have now been in operation about one hundred years. 



History of West Point. 57 

in the State of New York, of the one part, and Hugh 
Hughes, Deputy Quartermaster-General to the Army of 
the United States, of the other part, witnesseth : — 

" That the said Noble, Townsend and Compan}^, 
jointly and severally engage to have made and ready to 
be delivered at their works to the said Hugh Hughes, 
Deputy Quartermaster-General, or to the Deputy Quar- 
termaster-General of the Middle Department for the 
time being, on or before the first day of April next 
ensuing the date hereof, or as much sooner as circum- 
stances wdll admit, an iron chain of the following dimen- 
sions and quality : that is, in length five hundred yards, 
each link about two feet long, to be made of the best 
Stirling iron, two inches and one-quarter square, or as 
near thereto as possible, with a swivel to every hun- 
dred feet, and a clevis to every thousand feet, in the 
same manner as those of the former chain. 

" The said Noble, Townsend and Company also en- 
gage to have made and ready to be delivered at least 
twelve tons of anchors of the aforesaid iron, and of such 
sizes as the said Hugh Hughes or his successors in 
office shall direct, in writing, as soon as the completion 
of the chain will admit. 

" In consideration of which the said Hugh Hughes, 
in behalf of the United States, agrees to pay to the said 
Noble, Townsend and Company, or their order, at the 
rate of four hundred and forty pounds'-' for ever}^ ton 
weight of chain and anchors delivered as before men- 
tioned, unless the general regulations on trade, proAd- 
sions, &c., which are now supposed to be framed by 

* Continental money, probably. 



58 History of West Point. 

deputies from the United States, shall be published and 
take effect before the expiration of four months from 
the date of this ; in which case the price is to be only 
.£400 per ton for the said chain and anchors. The pay- 
ment, if demanded, to be made in such proportion as 
the work shall be ready to be delivered, which shall be 
determined in ten days after requisition made by a 
number of competent judges, not less than three nor 
more than five, unconcerned with the proprietors, or the 
works, and, if condemned, to be completed at the ex- 
pense of the said Company, who are also to repair, as 
aforesaid, all failures of their work, whenever happen- 
ing, whether at the works or river, or in extending it 
across, 

" The said Hugh Hughes also engages to procure of 
the Governor of this State, for the said Noble, Town- 
send and Company, an exemption for nine months from 
the date hereof, from military duty, for sixty artificers 
that are steadily employed at the said chain and anchors 
till completed. Agreeable to the said exemption, the 
said Company complying with the terms thereof. Pro- 
viding also that the said Company give the said Hugh 
Hughes, or his successors in office, the refusal, by let- 
ter, of all the bar iron, anchors, &c., made at the said 
works in the said term of nine months, at the current 
price, unless what is necessary to exchange for clothing 
and other articles for the use of the w^orks. 

" It is also agreed, by the said parties, that if the 
teams of the said Company shall transport the said 
chain or anchors, or any part thereof, to any assigned 
post, they shall receive for such services the same pay 
as shall be given by the United States for the like ; the 



History of West Point. 59 

teams of the Company being exempted from impress by 
any of the Quartermaster-General's deputies during 
the space of nine months. 

" Lastly, the said Company engage to use their ut- 
most endeavors to keep seven fires at forging and ten at 
welding, if assisted with such hands as are necessary 
and can be spared from the army, in case of their not 
being able to procure others, the said Company making 
deduction for their labor. 

" In witness whereof, the parties have interchangeably 
subscribed their names this second day of February, 
one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, and in 
the second year of American Independence. 

" Peter Townsend, 

^' In behalf of Noble & Company. 

" Hugh Hughes,* 

" In behalf of United States. 

" In presence of 

" P. TlLLINGHAST."t 

On the 13th of February, General Putnam wrote to 
the Commander-in-chief as follows : 

" At my request the Legislature of this State have 

* Bugh Hughes was of Welsh origin, born in 1727. He resided in New Jersey 
in 1765, removing to New York tlie same or in the following year. 

Closely identified with the Revolutionists in 1769, he was appointed in 1776, by 
the Provincial Convention, Commissary of Military Stores, and by Washington, 
Deputy Quartermaster-General of the forces. 

Resigning in 1778, he was in 1780 urgently solicited by Colonel Pickering, then 
Quartermaster-General, to resume his former rank in the American Army, which 
invitation was accepted. In this capacity he served througliout the war until 1784, 
at which time he was elected a member of the General Assembly from the city 
of New York. The writings of Washington and General Greene furnish strong 
testimony to his spotless integrity and fitness for the faithful discharge of his 
duties. He died at Tappan, March 15, 1802. 

f Copy of original in Clinton Papers, State Library. 



60 History of West Point. 

appointed a Committee to affix the places and manner 
of securing the river, and to afford some assistance in 
expediting the work. The state of affairs now at this 
post, you will observe, is as follows : the chain and 
necessary anchors are contracted for, to be completed 
by the first of April ; and from the intelligence I have 
received, I have reason to believe they wdll be com- 
pleted by that time. Parts of the boom intended to have 
heen used at Fort Montgomery ^ sufficient for this place, 
are remaining. Some of the iron is exceedingly bad ; 
this I hope to have replaced with good iron soon. The 
chevaiix-de-frise will be completed by the time the y'yvqv 
will admit of sinking them at (Pollopel's Island). The 
batteries near the water, and the Fort to cover them, are 
laid out. The latter is, within the walls, six hundred 
yards around, twenty-one feet base, fourteen feet high, 
the talus two inches to the foot. This, I fear, is too 
large to be completed by the time expected. Governor 
Clinton and the Committee have agreed to this plan; 
and nothing on my part shall be wanted to complete it 
in the best and most expeditious manner. Barracks 
and huts for about three hundred men are completed, 
and barracks for about the same number are nearly cov- 
ered. A road* to the river has been made with great 
difficulty." 

On the day following the date of this report, General 
Putnam left West Point for Connecticut, to attend to 
some private affairs, leaving the prosecution of the de- 
fences in charge of Brigadier-General Parsons, who re- 

* This road, doubtless, was the one leading down to Gee's Point. "ViUe- 
franehe's" Map shows a road to, and a dock at, that place in 1780. Tlie road is 
yet visible. 



History of West Point. 61 

ported, on the IStli of February, "that almost every ob- 
stacle within the circle of possibility has happened to 
retard their progress. Preparations [continues this 
officer] for completing them in April are now in a state 
of forwardness, unless something unforeseen as yet 
should prevent." 

Again, from the " Camp at West Point, March 7, 
1778," General Parsons communicated to Washington 
the perplexities arising from the Acts of Congress rela- 
tive to the direction of the works, and declared : " I 
most ardently wish to aid Governor Clinton, or any other 
gentleman appointed to superintend the work. At 
present, no person has the direction. I have kept the 
troops at work because I found them here when I took 
the command. The Aveather has been such, since the 
15th of February, as has greatly retarded the works — 
about seven days of the time has been such that we 
could do nothing. 

" Lieutenant-Colonel Radiere, finding it imiDossible to 
complete the Fort and other defences intended at this 
post, in such a manner as to render them effectual early 
in the spring, and not choosing to hazard his reputation 
on works erected on a different scale, calculated for a 
short duration only, has desired leave to wait on Your 
Excellency and Congress, which I have granted him." 

On the 16th of March, General Parsons reported : " If 
the chain is completed we shall be ready to stretch it over 
the river next week. I hope to have two sides and one 
bastion of the Fort in some state of defence in about a 
fortnight ; the other sides need very little to secure 
them. We have the works going on as fast as could be 
expected from our small number of men and total want 



i 



62 History of West Point. 

of money and materials j)rovided. I have several times 
advanced my last shilling towards purchasing materials, 
&c., and I believe this is the case with almost every 
officer here."* 

The absence of General Putnam still continued, and 
the people of the Province, still regarding the works as 
under his command, and greatly incensed at the course 
he had pursued as Commander in the Highlands, refused 
to render the necessary assistance while he remained 
even nominally at the head of the Department ; indeed, 
the current of public opinion ran so strongly against 
him, that on the 16th of March, Washington ordered 
Major-General McDougall to repair to the Highlands, 
and assume the chief command there, comprehending 
*' the Forts among the other objects of his trust." 

Radiere had left as early as the 11th of March, and, 
visiting Congress, was relieved from duty by the ap- 
pointment of Kosciuszko as the Engineer, Avho arrived at 
the works on the 26th of March. General McDougall 
arrived on the 28th of the same month and assumed the 
command. 

Colonel Rufus Putnam^j" had early in the war been ap- 
pointed an Engineer with the rank of Colonel, which 
position he subsequently resigned to take the command 
of a Massachusetts regiment, and with it he had shared 



* Early Settlers of Ohio.— Hildreth. 

f Rufus Putnam was born April 9, 1738, at Sutton, Massachusetts, and enlisted 
as a soldier on 15th March, 1757, to serve in the French war. After the outbrealc 
of the Revolution he joined a Massachusetts regiment, and at Boston, Roxbury, 
&c., he displayed marked abilities as an Engineer. On the 11th of August, 1776, 
he was appointed by Congress an Engineer with the ranlc of Colonel. Resigned 
to take the command of the 5th Massachusetts Regiment, Dec. 8, 1776. Briga- 
dier-General January 8th, 1783. Resigned February 15, 1793 ; died in May, 1824. 
— [Hildreth's Early Settlers of Ohio.] 



History of West Point. 63 

the triumph of Gates over Burgoyne. Early in March 
he was ordered with his regiment to repair to West 
Point, at which post he arrived at the same time with 
General McDougall. As he had been a co-laborer with 
Kosciuszko under General Gates at the North, his prac- 
tical skill and experience rendered him a valuable as- 
sistant to advise in concert with the Engineer. 

Operations were at once resumed, and pushed forward 
with great vigor. " As the Fort then in progress was 
designed to annoy the enemy's shipping, should they at- 
tempt to turn the Point and force the boom a little 
higher up, no provision existed against a land attack in 
its rear. A chain of Forts and redoubts was therefore 
laid out on the high ground bordering the plain." [Forts 
Wyllis, Webb, and Putnam.] 

" The principal Fort was built by Putnam's own regi- 
ment, and was named by General McDougall, Fort Put- 
nam. It stood on an elevated rocky eminence command- 
ing both the plain and the Point. This rock sloped gra- 
dually to the plain on one side, while to the assailants 
[in rear] it presented a mural front of fifty feet perpen- 
dicular,"* 

Colonel Putnam joined the army at Peekskill in the 
following June. 

On the 11th of April, 1778, General McDougall issued 
to General Parsons the following 

" Instructions : 

" The hill which Colonel Putnam is fortifying is the 
most commanding and important of any that we can now 

♦Early Settlers of Ohio, 73.— HUdreth. 



64 History of "West Point. 

attend to. Although it is secure in the rear from esca- 
lade, yet as it is practicable to annoy the garrison from 
Snook Hill, the parapet in the rear should be made can- 
non-proof against such as may be fired from Snook Hill. 
The parapet should be raised as much as possible with 
fascines and earth, to prevent the ill consequence of 
splinters from the rocks. The easternmost face of this 
work must be so constructed as to command the plain 
on which Colonel Putnam's regiment is now encamped, 
and annoy the enemy if he should force the works now 
erecting by Colonel Meigs' and Colonel Wyllis' regi- 
ments, as well as to command the northernmost and high- 
est part of the ground last mentioned, which commands 
the plain in the rear of the principal works at West 
Point. A temporary magazine should be built without 
delay on Colonel Putnam's hill, and have ten days' pro- 
vision, of salt meat and biscuit, for his regiment, de- 
posited on the hill as soon as it arrives at West Point. 
This store must not be broke in upon on any pretence, 
till the enemy appears in force, and puts it out of Colo- 
nel Putnam's power to procure supplies from West Point. 
The next principal ground to be occupied for the safety 
of the Post, is the rising ground to the northward of the 
Fort, near the northwest corner of the Long Barrack. 
It will be necessary to erect a redoubt on this ground, 
capable of containing one hundred and twenty men. 
The west, north, and east faces should be proof against 
battering cannon, and the south slightly palisaded to 
guard against surprise. The westernmost face, flanked 
by the fire of the Fort, must be ditched, and to mount 
two pieces of cannon. The north face strongly abba- 
tised. The parapet of the west face should be raised so 



History of West Point. 65 

high, if practicable, as to cover the garrison from the 
fire that may be made against it from the ground on 
which Colonel Putnam is now encamped. This redoubt 
is so important, that it must be finished without delay. 
The chain to be fixed on the west side, in or near the 
Gap of the Snook, commanded by the fire from the east 
curtain of the work. The water-batteries now erected 
on the Point, to be completed as soon as possible, and 
two cannon placed in each, with the necessary shot and 
stores placed near them ; if any of the cannon to be 
placed there require to be proved, it must be done be- 
fore they are brought into the batteries. Such provi- 
sions as are on the Plain, to be removed into the Fort 
on the enemy's first appearing in force on the river, and 
no quantity left out at any time. Two small temporary 
magazines for amniunition to be made in the Fort for 
the present, to guard against railft; one also to be made 
for that of the cannon, in the batteries on the Point. 

" It must be left to the discretion of the commanding 
officer at West Point, all circumstances considered, when 
to fire the alarm. In case of this event taking place in 
the present state of the works, the security of the Fort 
depends so much on the heights in the rear, on which 
the greatest force should be placed, that the command- 
ing officer at West Point should take his quarters on the 
hill Colonel Putnam is now fortifying. Colonel Meigs's 
regiment, now at Robinson's farm, on hearing the alarm, 
will repair to West Point by the safest and securest 
fjassage. Six companies of his and Colonel Wyllis's 
regiment will take post in the works they are respec- 
tively erecting. The other two companies, with the in- 
valids of the post and artificers, are to garrison the Fort, 



66 History of West Point. 

■under the orders of Major Grosvenor. Colonel Webb's 
regiment is to take post in the works they are now mak- 
ing, and Colonel Sherbnrn's to defend the redoubt to 
be erected near the northwest corner of the Long Bar- 
rack. Colonel Putnam's to take post on the hill which 
they are now fortifying, and not to be ordered from 
thence, but such detachments as he or the commanding 
officer at the Post may judge necessary to secure the 
avenues to his works. Should the enemy force the regi- 
ments of Colonels Wyllis, Meigs and Webb from their 
works, it will be most advancive of the defence of the 
hills, which command the Fort, that those corps retire 
to defend to the last extremity, the avenues leading to 
Colonel Putnam's redoubt, and the ground on which he 
is now encamped, unless some manoeuvre of the enemy 
should induce the commanding officer of the post to de- 
tach some of those corps for the security of Putnam's 
redoubt. If the ground on which the enemy intend to 
land, or the route on Avhich he advances to our works, 
render it necessary to detach any corps to oppose him, 
it must be taken from the works erecting by Colonel 
Wyllis's, Meigs's or Colonel Webb's regiment, and not 
from the Fort, or Putnam's redoubt, as in case of mis- 
fortune, the enemy's possessing the works first mention- 
ed, will not be so fatal to the Post as his getting posses- 
sion of the Fort, or Putnam's redoubt." 

" P. S. The Avest face of the redoubt to be built near 
the Long Barrack, to be eighteen feet [high], the north 
and east faces fourteen feet ; the stones to be kept as 
much as possible from the upper part of the parapet of 
the works."* 

* Zodiac, Nov., 1835, 67. 



History of West Point. 67 

Two days after the foregoing instructions were issued 
[13th], General McDougalP wrote that " the Fort was 
so nearly enclosed as to resist a sudden attack of the 
enemy ; but the heights near it were such that the Fort 
would not be tenable if the enemy should possess them. 
For this reason we are obliged to make some works on 
them. 

"Mr.Kosciuszko is esteemed by those who have attend- 
ed the works at West Point to have more practice than 
Colonel Radiere,* and his manner of treating the people 
is more acceptable than that of the latter, which induced 
General Parsons and Governor Clinton to desire the 
former may be continued at West Point." -|* 

On the 18th of April, Colonel Robert Troup wrote 
from Fishkill to General Gates, President of the Board 
of War, that the works at West Point were in a great 
state of forwardness ; that KosciuszkoJ was very much 



* Colonel Louis Deshaix de la Radiere, was one of four Engineers sent over 
from France by the Commissioners Franklin and Deane, and was employed by 
order of Congress. On the 8th of July, 1777, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel 
of Engineers, in accordance with a Treaty made in France. Feb. 13, 1777; pro- 
moted to the rank of Colonel, Nov. 17, 1777 ; retained at reorganization of the 
Army, January 1, 1779, and died in service, at New Windsor [in camp], on the 
30th of October, 1779, in the 35th year of his age.* 

f Writings of Washington, Sparks, V., 311. 

\ Thaddeus Kosciuszko was born in Lithuania, Feb. 12, 1746, and educated in 
the Military School at Warsaw. Under the auspices of Franklin, he came to 
America and was appointed an Aide to Washington. In October, 1776, he was 
appointed by Congress an Engineer, with the rank of Colonel. In this capacity 
he served as the Chief Engineer of the Northern Army against Burgoyne, and 
was subsequently assigned to the works in progress at West Point, where his 
reputation became greatly increased. He remained in service until the close of 
the War, receiving the thanks of Congress, and the grade of Brigadier-General by 
Brevet, Oct. 13, 1783. Returning to his native country in July, 1784, and becom- 
ing identified with the Polish Revolution, he there rose to the rank of Major- 

■ See page 68. * Phila. Packet, Nov. 9, 1779. 



68 - History of West Point. 

esteemed as an able engineer, and that the latter had 
made many alterations in the works, which were univer- 
sally approved. 

The chain, he added, " will be put across the river 
this week, and. if the enemy let us alone two weeks 
longer, we shall have reason to rejoice at their moving 
this way."* 

General under Poniatowski. On the 10th of October, 1794, he was captured by 
the Russians and confined at St. Petersburg. 

After his Hberation he visited the United States, in 1797, at which time Congress 
presented him a grant of land. 

He died in Switzerland, Oct. 16, 1817, and was buried at Warsaw, with the 
highest honors. — [Encyclopeedia Americana.] 

* Gates, MSS. N. Y. Hist. Col. 

' Alexander McDougall, born in Scotland in 1732. In early life a seaman. In 
the war of 1756, commanded the private armed vessels " Barrington" and " Tiger," 
out of New York. Subsequently a successful merchant in that city. Devoted 
himself ardently to the cause of the Colonies. In 1770, one of the most active of 
the " Sons of Liberty," and a promoter of the Non-importation measures. In 1774, 
presided at " the great meeting in the fields" in New York, and drafted its ener- 
getic Resolutions. Was the first person arrested by the British authorities, after 
the united action of the Colonies. Was in prison twenty-three weeks. Was a 
member of the Provincial Congress of New York. In 1775, Colonel of the " First 
New York Regiment." In 1776, Brigadier General. In October 1776, commanded 
the division of the army at Chatterton Hill, Westchester, where he twice repulsed 
the British and Hessians. In 1777, Major General. In 1778, in command of "all 
the posts in the Highlands." Commanded at West Point from 19th July to 6th 
Dec. 1779 ; from 26th June to 4th July, and from 20th Sept. to 5th Oct. 1780 ; 
from 24th June, 1781, to 18th January, 1782. In 1780-1, also, a Member of Con- 
gress. In 1781, elected by that body " Minister of Marine," but declined the posi- 
tion for renewed active service in the field. First President of the N. Y. State 
Society of the Cincinnati. After the Revolution, a leading member of the New 
York State Senate. Died in 1786. 

His two sons served also throughout the War. His son-in-law, Colonel John 
Laurance, Judge Advocate General, ofiiciated on the trial of Major Andre. Mc- 
Dougall was described by Washington as " a brave soldier and a disinterested 
patriot." — [Family MSS., W. Weight Hawkes.] 



History of West Point. 69 



CHAPTER V. 

Progress of Obstructing the Hudson. — Relic of the Boom and 
Chain. — Letters of General Glover and Captain Machin. — 
Disposition of the Boom, Chain, etc. — Fort Arnold. — Dis- 
crepancies in the Name of the Work. — Assignment of Major- 
General Heath to the Command. — Head-quarters of Wash- 
ington Established at West Point. — Washington's Orders - 

Severity of the Winter of 1779-80, — Assignment of Gen- 
eral Howe to the Command of the Post. 

The obstructions to the navigation of the river had 
suffered less from the delay before mentioned than the 
Forts. Governor Clinton, in accordance with his pro- 
mise to " render any assistance in his power," had 
exercised considerable supervision over that branch of 
the service ; and had directed Captain Machin,* who had 
been employed in completing the obstructions at Polio- 
pel's Island, to take charge of the obstructions at West 
Point also. The links of the Chain were brought from 
the Stirling Iron Works to Captain Machin's Forges at 
New Windsor, where they were joined together and 
properly fastened to the logs which formed the support 
of the Chain when completed. 

From the Contract of Noble & Townsend, dated Feb. 
2d, 1778, we are enabled to fix the time of the com- 



* Thomas IfacMn was born in Stafifordshire, England, 20th March, 1744. He 
took up his residence in Boston, and, espousing the popular feeling of the time, 
made one of the Tea-Party in 1773 ; was wounded at Bunker Hill, while acting as 
Lieutenant of Artillery. He continued in service until the close of the War, having 
attained the rank of Captain of Artillery, and died April 3d, 1816, at the age of 
72. — [Sim's History of Schoharie County.] 

6 



70 History of West Point. 

mencemeiit of the manufacture of the Chain. The let- 
ter of General Putnam, dated 13th February, same year, 
referring to " Parts of the Boom intended to have been 
used at Fort Montgomery ;' the Plans accompanying 
the Proceedings of the Secret Committee, showing how 
the Chain and Boom were disposed at the latter place ; 
the relic found in the river at West Point, in the sum- 
mer of 1855 ; and the subjoined bill for the Boom at 
latter place, the last payment for which was made on 
the day the Chain was contracted for, demonstrate that 
the obstructions at West Point consisted of a Boom and 
a Chain, the former being in front of the latter. 

The Relic here referred to consists ofHwo logs, one 
of white wood and the other of white pine, about eighteen 
feet in length, and about fifteen inches in diameter, 
dressed in the centre in the form of an octagon, and 
rounded at the ends. These logs are united to each 
other by an iron band around each end, and two links of 
Chain of nearly two-inch bar iron, but which have 
evidently lost much of their original size from corrosion. 
This Boom extended the whole width of the river. 

The Plan of its construction and disposition is repre- 
sented by the accompanying engraving. 

The strength of this Boom may be inferred from the 
bill of Noble & Townsend, which specifies 136 tons of 
iron wrought into booms, bolts, clips, chains, swivels, 
and bands, the very articles of which the relics are com- 
posed, and which were in part recovered. The follow- 
ing is the Bill for the Boom — that for the Chain has not 
been found.* 

* A part of the chain at Fort Montgomery, near Pooplopen's Kill, was brought 
from Lake Champlain, having been designed to obstruct the River Sorel; the 




^ri'augement of' Hie great Jiovm and Chuut iit 
WesTToint . 




ToTDfin of ihe Xoom aJ West Fomt 
DuTint) rJie JifVolutioJiarv'War ■ 



History of West Point. 



71 



Quarter Master General, hy Messieurs Thomas Machin and John Nicoll. 

To Noble & Townsend, Dr. 



1777. 


d 


d.S 




5 


on 




BY WHOM SENT. 


Aug. 6 

" 21 


24 
24 
20 

16 
12 
12 
12 

22 
142 


8 
6 
8 
9 
9 

18 


6 
6 
5 
3 

1 

21 


6 

1 

7 


24 
24 
20 
6 
16 
12 
12 
12 

22 
36 

184 


6 
2 

8 


Daniel McCoun. 
Francis Welding. 
Amos Mills. 


11 <( 


" 23 


Francis Welding. 
David Sutherland. 


Sept. 2 


" 6 


D. McCoun, as far as Thorn's. 


" 17 


Partrick Sutherland. 


" 25 


David Sutherland. 


Oct. 2 


Daniel McCoun 


Nov. 13 


Solomon Curtis 


Still at Works 


And one Lod was sent by the 
Clove that I have not got 
the number Chps, &o. 




58 



To making 29,249 lbs. clips, chains, &c., at Is. 8(1. 



The Wgt. 
June 19. 

" 24. 

" 26. 
July 7. 

u a 

1778. 
Jan. 20, 

" 28. 



Augt. 
Sept. 14. 
Nov. 14. 
Feb. 2, 



Tons. 
17 
20 
30 
20 
20 



C. 

10 








Qrs. 

1 



14 

4 



14 



10 14 

10 1 14 

Carting 78 



of Boome Iron &c., at 140s. 
Bar Iron by my team, at 140s. 

do. do. at 140s. 

do. Col. Curlies, at 140s. 

do. our team, at 140s. 

do. Sam. Bi-uster, at 140s. 

do. by Mandeville, at 330s. 
do. do. do. 
of the Boome Bar Iron 



£ s. d. 
2,453 1 3 



2,453 1 8 

140 

210 17 6 

140 5 

140 

56 17 6 



167 1 3 

171 3 4 

12 16 

£5,945 3 1 



By Cash paid Mr, Hawxhurst £ 500 

By Cash 1,000 

By Cash paid Nathaniel Satly 240 

By Cash received by Col, Hughes. . . 4,027 

5,747 

Ballancedue £ 198 3 1 



other part was made at Poughkeepsie, out of iron furnished from the Livingston 
Manor. [Am. Arch., V. III.] This chain was first stretched across the river in 
October, 1776. It broke by the action of accumulated water, and after repairing 
and adding new floats, it was finally placed in position in March, 1777, and re- 
mained until removed by the British at the capture of the Fort. — [Munsell's Hist. 
Series, No. V., 68.] 



72 



History of West Point. 



By the Bill of CaiDtain Machin, which is also annexed, 
it will be observed that he calls the Boom, Chain Logs, 
and that they were taken to West Point on April 7th. 
The Chain appears from the same Bill to have been 
taken down on the 16th April, and stretched across the 
river on the 30th. 

The United States of America — To Thomas Maohin Dr. for Travelling ex- 
penses and Money paid out in their service from January 1778 to Sept. 
20 Agreeable to the Aeount here under. 



1778. 



Jan. 


1. 


do. 


7. 


do. 


12. 



do. 16. 



do. 20. 



do. 


26. 


Feb'y 


2. 


do. 


2. 


do. 


12. 


do. 


17. 


do. 


24. 


do. 




do. 




do. 




March 


5. 



do. 11. 



do. 


14. 


do. 


15. 


do. 


16. 


do. 


24. 


do. 


26. 


do. 


29. 


Apri 


I 7. 



£ s. 
6 10 
1 10 



Exploring Hudsons Eiver witli 7 Men six days 

Espences to Poughkeepse 

Expences at Fish Kill four Days Detayned on 

the publick service 4 

Expences on the Koad to Chester to agree for 

the New Chain 3 Days 3 

Expences Getting Timber for the Chain four 

Days 4 

Getting up Drift Timber 1 

Expences to New Burgh, New Malbrough and 

New Paltz 4 Days 4 

For Ten Quire of Paper 2 

Expences to New Paltz 3 Days, Hiring on 

Hand two Days 4 

Expences to West Point 

Expences when in persute of Deserters, for 

Myself and Men, at McDonelds 

at Capt. Smiths 4 

at Sidraans 5 

paid Onderdunk to Carry a Letter 1 

Getting the Logs to Drye for the Chain at New 

Paltz 3 

Expences to Jews Creek, Plattor Kill and New 

Burgh, two days 2 

Expences to West Pt 12 

Expences from West Pt 12 

Expences to Fish Kill, Pough Keepse, New 

Paltz and New Malbrough, six Days 6 

Expences to Fish Kill for Eigging 10 

Expences Down the High Lands collecting 

Drift Timber 12 

Expences to West Pt 8 

Expences Getting Down the Chain Logs with 

40 Men, 4 Days 6 











12 6 















4 


6 


10 





10 


6 


12 


6 


6 





8 





10 





12 






10 



History of West Point. 73 

1778. £ s. (I 

Expences to Chester 1 

Taking Down the Chain 16 

Expences to Jews Creek 10 

Expences to Sterling 110 6 

While Getting the New Chain* across ..... 11 
Expences when Reascending the Lady Wash- 
ington Galley at Kingston Creek, 20 Days. 9 10 6 

Expences to Peeks Kill Ill 

Expences to Pough Keepse 2 

Expences to Fish Kill 12 

Expences to Kingston 4 

Expences to Peeks Kill with four men 2 

Expences to Fish Kill with Ferrys 1 12 6 

Expences to Pough Keepse and Ferrys 2 10 

Expences to Fish Kill 10 8 

Expences to Pough Keepse and Ferrys with 

four men 8 16 

Expences to Chester 1 6 

Expences to Fish Kill Oil 

John Buchanons Bill for Travelling Expences. 5 1 
William McBrides Bill for Travelling Ex- 
pences in the service of the States 5 4 

Joseph Holsteads Bill for Travelling Expences 

in the service of the States 3 6 4 

Expences to Pough Keepse 2 

Expences to Fis^h Kill 12 

Expences to Wit Plains 6 

£126 1 6 



It will be observed that the Boom combined great 
strength with practicability. It was indeed the main 
obstruction, and placed below the Chain to receive the 
first shock of approaching vessels. 

Contrary to the usual belief, the Boom must have 
been placed in position some time after the chain had 
been drawn across. The following letter confirms this 
opinion : — 



* So called in the correspondence of the day, to distinguish it from the older 
chain at Fort Montgomery. 



" April 


12. 


" do. 


16. 


do. 


19. 


" do. 


26. 


do. 


30. 


" May 


3. 


" June 


1. 


do. 


4. 


do. 


6. 


" do. 


10. 


do. 


19. 


do. 


24. 


do. 


29. 


" July 


2. 


do. 


10. 


do. 


19. 


do. 


20. 


" Augt 


1. 


do. 


2. 


do. 


7. 


do. 


20. 


do. 





74 History of West Point. 

Fort Arnold, 2^ July, 1778. 

" Hon. Major-General Gates : — 

^'SiR : — These [enclosed] will inform your honor the 
state of the garrison at this place, ' which is by no means 
in a defensible condition, the works not near finishe'd.' 
Fort Putnam, ' on which the strength of the Post 
depends, is far from being complete ; the Boom is not 
yet come down, nor do I know when it will, or who to 
apply to about it.'f * * =5= * * * 
[Signed] "John Glover, 

" Brigadier-Generair 

The Chain designed to obstruct the river is fully de- 
scribed in the contract with Noble & Townsend, already 
quoted, and its accuracy is confirmed by an examina- 
tion of the portion yet remaining at West Point. 

On the 20th of April, 1778, Captain Machin, the 
Engineer, wrote General McDougall : " Lieutenant 
Woodw^ard, who I told you was at the Stirling Iron 
Works inspecting the Chain, is now returned, and in- 
forms me that seventeen hundred feet of the great 
Chain, which is more than equal to the breadth of the 
river at the place last fixed upon, is now ready for use. 

* "^ * The capson [capstan] and docks are 
set up in the lower place ; the mud blocks are launched, 
and only wait for good weather to carry them down. 

* * * * If the weather should be faA^or- 
able, I am in hopes to take the Chain down all fixed in 
about six days." J If the date of this letter has been 
erroneously printed 20th, instead of 10th, the latter 
will be found to agree with Captain Machin s bill. The 

f Gates, MSS, N. T. Hist. CoL % Sim's Hist. Schoharie Co., 566. 



History of West Point. 75 

chain was put together, " all fixed,'' at New Windsor, 
and floated down to West Point, and secured in its pro- 
per place in the latter part of April, 1778, as appears 
from the following extract from a letter from General 
Clinton to Captain Machin, dated Poughkeepsie, 3d of 
May, 1778 :— 

" Dear Sir : — I received your letter, and am happy to 
learn that the Chain is across the river, and that you 
had the good fortune to accomplish it so expeditiously 
and so much to your satisfaction." 

The chain, as it appeared when placed in its position, 
is thus described by General Heath in his Memoirs : 

" November 14M, 1780. — The great chain, which was 
laid across the Hudson at West Point, was taken up for 
the winter. It was done under the direction of Colonel 
Govion, Captain Buchanan, and Captain Nevers [Niven], 
with a strong detachment of the garrison, and with skill 
and dexterity. This chain was as long as the width of 
the river between West Point and Constitution Island, 
where it was fixed to great blocks on each side, and 
under the fire of batteries on both sides of the river. 
The links of this chain were probably 12 inches wide, 
and 18 inches long; the iron about 2 inches square. \J 
This heavy chain was buoyed up by very large logs, of 
perhaps 16 or more feet long, a little pointed at the 
ends, to lessen their opposition to the force of the water 
on flood and ebb. The logs were placed at short dis- 
tances from each other, the chain carried over them, 
and made fast to each by staples, to prevent their shift- 
ing ; and there were a number of anchors dropped at 
distances, with cables made fast to the chain, to give it 
a greater stability. The short bend of the river at this 



76 History of West Point. 

place was much in favour of the chain's proving effec- 
tual ; for a vessel coming up the river with the fairest 
wind and strongest way must lose them on changing her 
course to turn the Point ; and before she could get 
under any considerable way again, even if the wind was 
fair, she would be on the chain, and at the same time 
under a heavy shower of shot and shells." 

'■'April \()th, 1781. — The great chain was hauled from 
off the beach near the Red House at West Point, and 
towed down to the blocks, in order to its being laid 
across the river. About 280 men were ordered on this 
duty." 

''■April 11th. — The chain w^as properly fixed with 
great dexterity, and fortunately without any accident." 

A great variety of traditions have been repeated, his- 
torically, in reference to the obstructions at West Point, 
and wdiich may be fully explained when the j^recise 
character of the latter is understood. For example, it 
is said in the "Field-Book of the Revolution:" "Arnold 
wrote a letter to Andre in a disguised hand and manner, 
informing him that he had weakened the obstruction in 
the river by ordering a link of the chain to be taken out 
and carried to the smiths, under a pretence that it 
needed repairs." 

He assured his employer that the link would not be 
returned to its place before the Forts should be in pos- 
session of the enemy. 

A link could not have been thus displaced without re- 
moving that part of the obstruction altogether ; but the 
boom might easily have been weakened by taking out a 
link from either side. Governor Clinton, it is further 
said, walked across the river on. the chain, and this 



History of West Point. 77 

statement is repeated in the narratives of others as 
having been accomplished by them. 

These traditions are easily reconciled by substituting 
the word Boom for that of the Chain. The Boom could 
readily be converted into a bridge, and it is not improb- 
able that in its construction reference was had to this 
object, as it would afford facilities for the transport of 
troops from one side of the river to the other. 

Another writer affirms that the Chain was removed 
every winter " by means of a large windlass," and that 
it made a " huge pile on the river-bank." It has also 
been represented that one end of the Chain and of the 
Boom being loosened from its fastenings, a windlass was 
employed to swing the whole around to the shore, — a 
process easily accomplished. 

Those who have witnessed the movements of the im- 
mense fields of ice in December and March at West 
Point, ebbing and flowing with the tide, will perceive 
the impossibility of the Chain remaining attached by 
one end, floating as it would with the masses of ice; nor 
would securing both ends have prevented its destruction 
from the agency mentioned. 

The first statement concerning its disposition is doubt- 
less the correct one, and is sustained by the following, 
from "Heath's Memoirs:" '^ April 10. — The great Chain 
was hauled from off" the beach near the Red House, at 
West Point, and towed down to the blocks, in order to 
its being laid across the river." 

The Red House was situated in " Washington's Val- 
ley," where a safe anchorage on the flats, from the mov- 
ing fields of ice, could be secured. The Chain and Boom 
were fastened when in position to cribbage-blocks, the 



78 



History of West Point. 



remains of which are yet visible in the little cove just 
above the boat-house, on Constitution Island, and direct- 




KKLIC OF THE GBEAT CHAIN, 1863. 

ly across from the " Chain Battery," yet in existence, 
and near which the south end was secured. Sixteen 
links of the Chain yet remain united at West Point, in- 
cluding a swivel and clevis. Two of the largest links 
weigh respectively 130 and 129 pounds. Two of the 
smallest weigh 109 and 98 pounds, while the medium 
Aveight is 114 pounds. The whole Chain is said to have 
weighed 186 tons.* 

A portion of the Chain [about thirty-four tons] was 
sold to the Cold Spring Foundry Association, and re- 
moved to New York many years ago, where it was 
worked up. 

In removing the Boom finally, a portion of it became 
detached, and the logs, being water-soaked, sank to the 
bottom of the river, where, after being washed by the 
tide for eighty years, they have been in part recovered, 
and now serve the noble purpose of elucidating an 

* Hist. Orange Co. — Eager. 



1780. 
F,iil:ir>;e(l Iroiii 
MMJoi- Villdbtiulu' s 
MAF. 

ScftU- oi"Yar<ls. 



J. S,'iit/t lliirnicl.v 
2. Xiivtii Hiirrarhs 
.;. Miiffiijinr 
-/. I.i'H<) .Biirrac}:x 
,1. Sherhunie JiaUeiy 
h. Liiiitern Hattfri/ 
r. I'liniit Hiittt-rti 




y^^ 



^^ 



■V 



, ,/ i',-i„i 

i' Vi-iiil 
s h'iiit 



J/ rr 



u 



. J' » 



IlA'aU-N'osii mill Pnl' 



?:^y.;n>,,i,^ r 



History of West Point. 79 

important point in the defensive operations at West 
Point, in the struggle for independence. 

Returning to the fortifications at West Point, the 
work on which continued to progress under the general 
direction of General McDougall, superintended by Kos- ^ 
ciuszko as engineer, until the assignment of General 
Gates to command the Northern department [Head- 
Quarters at Fishkill, and at Robinson's house], when, 
on the 22d of April, 1778,' General McDougall was 
ordered to join the main army* at Valley Forge, leaving 
the command again under General Parsons. 

The operations of the army in the Eastern depart- 
ment led this officer, at intervals, to the performance of 
duties in that quarter to which his brigade had been 
ordered ; but his nominal command was not changed 
thereby. 

The principal work on the eastern angle of the Plain 
at West Point had, early in June, so far advanced as to 
receive its garrison, and was named Fort Arnold.-^ 

Some discrepancy exists in regard to the name of this 
work, for Washington, while en route from Head-Quarters, 
at White Plains, to Fishkill, to examine the condition of 
the Highlands, first visited West Point, and to General 
Duportail, the Chief Engineer of the army, he addressed 
the following, dated, 

"Fort Clinton, "West Point, Sept. 19, 1778. '-^ 

*' Sir: — I have perused the memorial which you deliv- 
ered relative to the defence of the North River at this 
place, and upon a view of it, highly approve what you 
have offered upon the subject. Colonel Kosciuszko, who 

* Sparks, v., 333. f Gates, MSS. N. T. Hist. CoL 



80 History of West Point. 

was charged by Congress with the direction of the Forts 
and batteries, has already made such progress in the 
constructing of them as would render any alteration of 
them in the general plan a work of too much time, and 
the favorable testimony which you have given of Colonel 
Kosciuszko's abilities prevents any uneasiness on this 
head."* 

Again, nine months later, he reported to Congress 
from the " Ringwood Furnace," the intention of the 
enemy to advance via Continental Village, and " gain, 
if possible, Nelson's Point opposite to Fort Arnoldr-\ 

Many other authorities conduce to the belief, now 
become general, that Fort Arnold, the original appellation, 
was continued until the defection of Arnold was made 
known, at which time every individual in the army 
seemed to vie with each other in the bitterness of their 
denunciations of him. 

Then every memento of his existence was expunged 

from the garrison he had so basely undertaken to be- 

y^ tray; and the name of Fo7^t Clinton was bestowed in 

place of one unknown in history, save in the military 

correspondence and garrison orders of that day. 

In response to the inquiries of the Commander-in- 
chief as to the disposition of the army for the winter. 
General Parsons urged, on the 17th of October, that six 
or seven thousand men be stationed at Fishkill, or near 
it; one thousand be posted as the garrison at West 
Point ; three thousand near the Clove on the west side 
of the river ; and the remainder, two thousand, in Con- 
necticut. 

* Writings of Wasliington, Sparks, YI., 6t. 
\ Id., ibid., 269. 



History of West Point. 81 

This arrangement was partially adopted ; for in the 
assignment of the army to winter quarters in November, 
nine brigades were stationed on the west side of the 
Hudson, covering the lower part of New Jersey, and 
six on the east side of the river. 

Three Massachusetts regiments were assigned, one to 
West Point, in addition to the garrison, and two to Fish- 
kill and the Continental Village. The remaining three 
brigades were to cover the Sound in Connecticut, while 
the general Head-Quarters were located at Middlebrook. 

The spring of 1779 brought no change in the dispo- 
sition of affairs until the end of May, at which time 
Verplanck's and Stony Points were captured by the 
enemy, and directly afterwards the American army was 
concentrated in the Highlands. 

General McDougall was again transferred to the com- 
mand at West Point, on the 23d of June ; the garrison 
at the time consisting of Larned's, Patterson's, and the 
Carolina Brigades ; while at the same time, the command 
of the troops on the east side of the river was assigned 
to Major-General Heath.* 

The main body of the army, under Major-General 
Putnam, was posted at Smith's Clove ; Nixon's Brigade 
on Constitution Island ; Parsons's, near the Robinson 
House, opposite West Point ; and Huntington's, on the 
road above, leading to Fishkill.-j- 

On the twenty-fifth of July, the Head-Quarters of 
the Commander-in-chief were transferred to West Point, 
and there remained until the twenty-eighth of November 
following. J 

* Heath's Memoirs, 205. f Sparks, YI., 276, Writings of Washington. 
^ Heath's Memoirs, 224. 



82 History of West Point. 

During the summer, the completion of the works 
around and above Fort Putnam was effected, there 
being no less than two thousand five hundred men on 
fatigue duty daily.* 

It was at this period that the following General Orders, 
selected from the MS. Order Book of the General, were 
issued. Aside from the interest they impart to the lo- 
cality, they portray in a strong manner the decision, 
patriotism, and religious character of Washington.f 

[Head-Quaeters, Mooee's House], 
" West Point, July 4, 1779. 

*^ This day being the anniversary of our glorious inde- 
pendence, will be commemorated by the firing of thirteen 
cannon from West Point, at one o'clock, p. m. 

''The Commander-in-chief thinks proper to grant a 
general pardon to all prisoners in this Army under sen- 
tence of death. They are to be released from confine- 
ment accordingly." 

[Hbad-Quaetees, Mooee's Hottse], 
"West Point, July 10, 1779. 

" At a Brigade General Court Martial, held by order 
of General Woodford, the 2d instant, Major Clark, Pre- 
sident, John Develiri, of the 8th Virg* Regiment, was 
tried for ' Desertion in attempting to go to the enemy,' 
found guilty and sentenced to suffer death, two-thirds 
of the Court concurring therein. The Commander-in- 
chief confirms the sentence — but as it Avas previous to 
the pardon of the 4th instant, the prisoner is compre- 
hended in the benefit of it." 



* Sparks, VI., 304, Writings of Washington. 

f The original MS. Order-Book, in Washington's own hand-writing, is in the 
possession of Professor Weir, at the Military Academy. 



History of West Point. 83 

[Head-Quarters, Moore's House], 
" West Point, July 16, 1779. 

" The Commander-in-chief is happy to congratulate 
the Army on the success of our arms under Brigadier- 
General Wayne, who, last night, with the Corps of light 
infantry, surprised and took the enemy's post at Stony 
Point with the Avhole garrison, cannon and stores, with 
Yery inconsiderable loss on our side. The General has 
not yet received the particulars of the affair ; but he has 
the satisfaction to learn that the officers and men in 
general gloriously distinguished themselves in the at- 
tack. He requests the Brigadier and his whole Corps 
to accept his warmest thanks for the good conduct and 
signal bravery manifested upon the occasion." 

[Head-Quarters, Moore's House], 
" West Point, July 18, 1779. 

" At a General Court Martial held at Stony Point in 
the light infantry on the 17th inst., by order of Briga- 
dier-General Wayne, whereof Colonel Meigs was Presi- 
dent, 

William Fitzgerald, of the 9th Penn'' Regiment, 

Isaac Wilson, of Colonel Bradford's, 

John Williams, of the 4th Maryland, 

Joseph Chace, of the 1st Connecticut, and 

John Blackman, of Colonel Bradley's — 
were tried for ^ Deserting to the enemy,' found guilty, 
and sentenced (two-thirds of the Court agreeing there- 
to) to suffer death. His Excellency the Commander-in- 
chief confirms the sentences, and orders the above-men- 
tioned criminals to be hanged this afternoon at 5 o'clock, 
in the flag bastion [at Stony Point]." 



84 History of West Point. 

" Head-Qttaetees, Moore's Hottse, 
[West Point,] July 29, 1779. 

" Many and pointed orders have been issued against 
that unmeaning and abominable custom of swearing, 
notwithstanding which, with much regret, the General 
observes that it prevails, if possible, more than ever; his 
feelings are continually wounded by the oaths and im- 
precations of the soldiers whenever he is in hearing of 
them. 

"The name of that Being from whose bountiful good- 
ness we are permitted to exist and enjoy the comforts 
of life, is incessantly imprecated and profaned, in a man- 
ner as wanton as it is shocking. For the sake therefore 
of religion, decency, and order, the General hopes and 
trusts that officers of every rank will use their influence 
and authority to check a vice which is as unprofitable 
as it is wicked and shameful. 

" If officers would make it an unavoidable rule to 
reprimand, and, if that does not do, punish soldiers for 
offences of this kind, it could not fail of having the 
desired effect." 

To superintend the fatigue parties employed on the 
works, the following orders were issued : 

[Head-Quarters, Moore's House], 
" West Point, July 30, 1779. 

" Lieutenant Colonel Howard, with Lieutenant Hugo 
as his assistant, the redoubts assigned to General Small- 
wood's brigade. Lieutenant Colonel WilliaiMS, with 
Captain Gosmer, Fort Putnam and Fort Webb. Colonel 
TuppER, with Captain Drew, the works at the Point, in- 



History of West Point. 85 

eluding Fort Clinton [Fort Arnold] . Capt-ain Hall and 
Captain Tatum, the works on Constitution Island. 
Major Troop, with Captain Holmes, the works on the 
east side of the river." 

In the autumn of this year, the garrison consisted of 
two Massachusetts brigades on the Point; the Connecti- 
cut line on the east side of the river, between Garrison's 
and the Pv>obinson House ; and the North Carolina bri- 
gade on Constitution Island. The light infantry and 
the Maryland line were encamped from Fort Mont- 
gomery northward, and Nixon's brigade occupied the 
Continental Village. 

In the assignment of the army to winter quarters, the 
Massachusetts line were left to garrison West Point and 
the Highlands, the command of which General Heath 
assumed on the 28th of November.* 

The winter of 1779 and 1780 was one of unexampled 
severity at West Point. The troops, except those on 
garrison duty, were cantonized in huts two miles back of 
West Point, on the "public meadows," and at " Budd's," 
on the east side of the river. So intense was the cold, 
that for a period of forty days, no water dripped from 
the roofs which sheltered them.f 

The snow was four feet deep on a level, requiring a 
heavy force to be constantly engaged in keeping open 
the communication with the six or seven redoubts built 
and building. Twice during the winter the North 
Redoubt barely escaped total destruction by fire. The 
parapet, built of logs, covered with earth, and difficult 
of access, burned nearly three days before the fire could 



* Heath's Memoirs. f Sim's Hist. Schoharie Co. 

7 



86 History of West Point. 

be extinguished. The South Barrack in Fort Arnold 
was entirely consumed, with a large quantity of stores ; 
but the adjacent buildings were saved by the indefati- 
gable labor of the garrison, and the personal efforts of 
General Patterson.* 

On the 21st of February, General Heath obtained a 
leave of absence, and being shortly afterward appointed 
by the State of Massachusetts to superintend the re- 
cruiting service, the command at West Point was trans- 
ferred, early in April, to General Robert Howe. Through- 
out the spring of 1780, the movements of the enemy so 
fully impressed the Commander-in-chief with their in- 
tention to assail West Point, that he directed Generals 
McDougall and Steuben to repair thither. The garrison 
was reinforced, and the army moved up to cover the 
entrance of the Highlands. 

* Heath.' 3 Memoirs. 



History of West Point. 



87 



CHAPTER VI. 

Major-General Arnold ordered to Relieve General Howe. — 
Disaffection of Arnold. — Disheartening Condition of the 
American Cause. — Advantages of West Point if Captured 
BY THE Enemy. — Sir Henry Clinton's Idea. — The Secret Cor- 
respondence with Arnold. — Appointment to meet John An- 
derson. — The " Robinson House," and its Original Proprie- 
tor. — The Meeting between Arnold and Anderson Thwarted. 
— A Flag of Truce from the Vulture, and its Purport. — 
Smith's House. — Joshua Hett Smith. — Meeting between Ar- 
nold AND Anderson. — Attempt of Anderson to Return to 
New York by Land. — Cow-boys and Skinners. — Capture of 
Anderson. 



On the 3d of August, Major-General 
Arnold was instructed from general 
head-quarters at Peekskill, to proceed 
]^l ^ ^ I to West Point and relieve 

General Robert Howe of 
the command of 
that Post, and its dependencies. In pursuance of this 
order, Arnold arrived on the 5th, and established his 
Head-Quarters at the " Ptobinson House."* 

Real and imaginary grievances had already unsettled 




*0n the 8th of August, Arnold wrote Washington: "I wish your Excellency 
would be kind enough to order Mr. Erskine [Geographer to the Army] to send 
me a map of the Country from this place to New York, particularly on the east 
side of the river, which would be very useful to me." ***** 
"Major Villefranche has surveyed the works at West Point, and informs me that 
there is a vast deal to do to complete them." * * * — [Correspondence of the 
Revolution, III., 57. — Sparks.] 



88 History of West Point. 

this officer's attachment to the cause of the Revolution, 
and later evidences have brought to light the fact, that 
he sought this command with a predetermination to 
abandon the cause, and betray his trust and associates 
into the hands of the enemy. " The moment was truly 
a favorable one. The English w^ere weary of the con- 
tinued strife, and really anxious for peace with America 
on any terms that might not involve Independence. 
The mess-rooms no more, as in Howe's days, echoed the 
toast of ' A glorious war, and a long one !' The Royal 
officers now pledged ' A speedy accommodation of our 
present unnatural disputes !' On the other hand, 
America too was tired of the war. A cloud of witnesses 
of the best authority, testify to the probability of a 
majority of our people being desirous of accommodating 
the quarrel, and of reuniting with England on condi- 
tions of strict union, if not of mediated dependence. 
The public chest was empty. The miserable bubble by 
w^hich it had hitherto been recruited was on the verge 
of explosion, and the Continental paper-money, always 
really worthless, though long sustained by the force of 
laws and bayonets, was now rapidly approximating its 
ultimate value. The ranks were supplied with children, 
whose service for nine months was bought for $1,500 
apiece. 'Hundreds even of the staff officers,' said 
Greene, in May, 1780, 'were ruined by the public 
charges they had been forced to incur, wiiile every ob- 
stacle was opposed to a settlement of their accounts, lest 
their demands on government should become fixed.' 
'However important our cause, or valuable the blessings 
of liberty,' he continues to Washington, ' it is utterly 
impossible to divest ourselves of our private feelings 



History of West Point. 89 

while we are contending for them.' ' It is obvious that 
the bulk of the people are weary of the war,' said Reed, 
in August. ' There never has been a stage of the w^ar,' 
said Washington, ' in which the dissatisfaction has been 
so general and so alarming.' The army, ill-paid, ill-fed, 
ill-clad, avenged its sufferings and its wrongs by such 
means as lay in its power. Martial law w^as published 
to procure its supplies in States that had not a hostile 
ensign within their borders. Regiment after regiment 
rose in mutiny ; nor could the rope or the scourge 
check the devastation and desertion that marked the 
army's course. At this very period, despite the repeated 
sentences of courts-martial, and the general order for 
the officer of the day, on his individual authority, to 
flog any straggler within the limit of fifty lashes, we 
find in Washington's own words the most unwelcome 
evidences of the necessities of his followers, and their 
consequent marauds along the banks of the Hudson. 

" Not until the end of August, was the pay due in the 
preceding March forthcoming. In September, Hamil- 
ton found the army a demoralized, undisciplined mob ; 
disliking the nation for its neglect, dreaded by the 
nation for its oppressions. Our chiefs, with mortification 
and regret, confessed the day impending, when, unless 
the war was carried on by foreign troops and foreign 
treasure, America must come to terms. 

" ' Send us troops, ships, and money,' wrote Rocham- 
beau to Yergennes, ' but do not depend upon these 
people, nor upon their means.' Yet it was known that 
the aid of France and Spain was merely sporadic ; and 
there was now reason to fear that, without some great 
stroke on our part, the former would soon abandon us 



90 History of West Point. 

as a profitless ally, and make her own peace with Bri- 
tain. 

" Congress too, rent by faction and intrigue, no longer 
commanded the entire confidence of the Whigs. Its 
relations with the States were not satisfactory, and with 
the army were decidedly bad. Jealousy on the one hand, 
aversion and distrust on the other, daily widened the 
unacknowledged breach. . * * * -pj^^ party hostile 
to the Chief — deep-rooted in New England, and pervad- 
ing Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia — which, from the 
beginning of the war to its end, dreaded lest the tyranny 
of a Commodus should lurk behind the wise virtues of 
a Pertinax, though foiled in a former effort to displace 
him, still retained power to hamper his movements and 
embarrass his designs. It was very evident that his 
removal would be the signal for the army's dissolution, 
and the inevitable subjection of the infant State ; but it 
was yet feasible to limit his powers, deny his require- 
ments, and in a hundred ways exhibit a distrust of his 
capacity or integrity that would have caused many sol- 
diers to throw up the command." 

" Much of this was known to the British, and the re- 
duction of West Point had long been their hope ; but to 
accomplish it without loss of life would indeed have 
been a triumph for Sir Henry Clinton, and a most bril- 
liant conclusion to the campaign. Mr. Sparks has 
clearly mapped out the advantages he must have con- 
templated in this contingency. In the first place, the 
mere acquisition of a fortress so important, with all its 
dependencies, garrison, stores, magazines, vessels, &c., 
was an achievement of no secondary magnitude. The 
supplies gathered here by the Americans were very 



History of West Point. 91 

great, and, once lost, could not have been readily, if at 
all, restored. The works were esteemed our tower of 
salvation, an American Gibraltar, impregnable to an 
army 20,000 strong. Even though yet unfinished, they 
had cost three years' labor of the army, and $3,000,000, 
and were thought an unfailing and secure resort in the 
last extremity. But the ulterior consequences of its 
possession were of even greater importance. It would 
have enabled Sir Henry to have checked all trade be- 
tween New England and the Central and Southern 
States. It was in Washington's eyes the bolt that 
locked this communication. The Eastern States, chiefly 
dependent for their breadstuifs on their sisters in the 
Union, were commercial rather than agricultural com- 
munities ; and the power that at once commanded the 
seaboard and the Hudson might easily bring upon them 
all the horrors of famine. 

" From Canada to Long Island Sound, a virtual barrier 
would have shut out New England from its supplies, as 
the wall of Antonine barred the free and rugged Caledo- 
nians from the Roman colonies and the south of Britain. 
But even these advantages were of less moment than 
those more immediate. The French, under D'Estaing, 
had already bickered with the Americans. It was hoped 
that similar ill-blood might arise in Rochambeau's camp, 
and be fanned into a flame. It was shrewdly and cor- 
rectly suspected by Clinton, that the allies meditated a 
combined attack on New York. To execute this move- 
ment, with West Point strongly garrisoned by the Brit- 
ish, would be impossible ; and nothing was more likely 
than that the French should have all their jealousies 
aroused by the defection of one of the most distinguished 



92 History of West Point. 

American generals, and the surrender of the most im- 
portant American citadel, on the very ground of repug- 
nance to the alliance. Ignorant of the extent of the 
plot, it would be difficult for them to repose in confidence 
with an American army by their side, and a British be- 
fore them and in their rear.' ' My idea,' said Sir Henry 
Clinton, ' of putting into execution this concerted plan 
with General Arnold with most efficacy, was to have 
deferred it till Mr. Washington, co-operating with the 
French, moved upon this place to invest it ; and that the 
Rebel magazines should have been collected and formed 
in their several depots, particularly that at West Point. 
'General Arnold surrendering himself, the forts, and 
garrisons at this instant, would have given every advan- 
tage that could have been desired. Mr. Washington must 
have instantly retired from King's bridge, and the French 
troops on Long Island would have been consequently 
left unsupported, and probably would have fallen into 
our hands.' " 

A secret correspondence had been commenced as early 
as 1779, between John Anderson, who afterwards proved 
to be Major John Andre, the Adjutant-General of the 
British army, and Arnold, in which the latter wrote over 
the pseudonym of " Gustavus." The value of the informa- 
tion imparted in this way had, at an early day, attracted 
the attention of the British Commander, and led him to 
infer the character and rank of the writer. 

The kind of information thus obtained was greatly en- 
hanced in importance by the assignment of Arnold to the 
command at West Point ; and that the correspondence 
was regular and rapid will be seen from the following let- 
ter, written five days after Arnold arrived at his station : 



History of West Point. 93 

'' Augmt SOth, 1780. 

"Sir: — On the 24th instant, I received a note from 
you without date, in answer to mine of the 7th of July ; 
also a letter from your house of the 24th July, in 

answer to mine of the 15th, with a note from Mr. B 

of the 30th of July; with an extract of a letter from Mr. 
J. Osborn of the 24th. I have paid particular attention 
to the contents of the several letters: had they arrived 
earlier you should have had my answer sooner. A 
variety of circumstances has prevented my writing you 
before, I expect to do it very fully in a few days, and 

to procure you an interview with Mr. M e, when 

you will be able to settle your commercial plan, I hope, 

agreeable to all parties. Mr. M e assures me that 

he is still of opinion that his first proposal is by no 
means unreasonable, and makes no doubt when he has 
had a conference with you that you will close with it. 
He expects when you meet, that you will be fully 
authorized from your House ; that the risks and profits 
of the copartnership may be fuHy and clearly under- 
stood. 

"A speculation might at this time be easily made to 
some advantage with ready money, but there is not the 
quantity of goods at market which your partner seems 
to suppose, and the number of speculators below, I think, 
will be against your making an immediate purchase. I 
apprehend goods will be in greater plenty and much 
cheaper in the course of the season : both dry and wet 
are much wanted, and in demand at this juncture : Some 
quantities are expected in this part of the country soon. 

Mr. M e flatters himself that in the course of ten 

days he will have the pleasure of seeing you : he re- 



94 History of West Point. 

quests me to advise you, that he has ordered a draft on 

you in favor of our mutual friend S y for £300, 

which you will charge on account of the tobacco. 

" I am, in behalf of Mr. M e & Co., 

" Your obedient, humble Servant, 

" GUSTAVUS." 
" Mr, John Anderson, Merchant. 
" To the Care of James Osborne — to be left at the Reverend Mr. Odell's, 
New York." 

" Translated from its commercial phraseology into 
plain English, this letter teaches us that on the 7th of 
July, Arnold had declared the probabiHty of his obtain- 
ing the command of West Point, and the tour of inspec- 
tion he had just made of its defences ; and had written 
on the 15th, when the project connected with the arrival 
of the French may have been mentioned. The terms on 
which he was to surrender were also doubtless named. 
To these Anderson had repHed in two notes ; and if we 
suppose B. stood for Beverly Robinson, and J. Osborn 
for Sir H. Clinton, communications from these were 
apparently conveyed. It may be easily gathered that 
the present strength of the garrison, both in militia 
and Continentals, was indicated, and that the feasi- 
bility of a coup de main, and the danger of the troops at 
Verplanck's retarding such an undertaking, were sug- 
gested. 

"It will be observed, that Gustavus writes as agent for 

Mr. M e ; elide the dash and we have Mr. Me — in 

other words, himself y 

" It became necessary at this instant" [says Sir 
Henry Clinton], "that the secret correspondence under 
feigned names, which had so long been carried on. 



History of West Point. 95 

should be rendered into certainty, both as to the per- 
son being General Arnold, commanding at West Point, 
and that in the manner in which he was to surrender 
himself, the forts, and troops to me, it should be so con- 
ducted, under a concerted plan between us, as that the 
King's troops sent upon this expedition should be under 
no risk of surprise or counterplot ; and I was determined 
not to make the attempt but under such particular 
security. 

" I knew the ground on which the forts were placed, 
and the contiguous country, tolerably well, having been 
there in 1777; and I had received many hints respect- 
ing both from General Arnold. But it was certainly 
necessary that a meeting should be held with that offi- 
cer for settling the whole plan. My reasons, as I have 
described them, will, I trust, prove the propriety of 
such a measure on my part. General Arnold had also 
his reasons, which must be so very obvious as to make 
it unnecessary for me to explain them. 

" Many projects for a meeting were formed, and con- 
sequently several attempts made, in all of which General 
Arnold seemed extremely desirous that some person, 
who had my particular confidence, might be sent to 
him — some man, as he described it in writing, of his 
own mensuration. 

" I had thought of a person under this important de- 
scription, who would gladly have undertaken it, but that 
his peculiar situation at the time, from which I could 
not release him, prevented him from engaging in it. 
General Arnold finally insisted that the person sent 
to confer with him should be Adjutant-General 
Major Andre, who indeed had been the person on my 



96 History of West Point. 

part, who managed and carried on the secret corre- 
spondence."* 

On the 7th of September, Anderson wrote Colonel 
Sheldon, the commander of an American cavalry out- 
post [page 135, Proceedings of the Board], that he 
desired permission to meet a friend near his lines on 
Sunday, the 11th, at 12 o'clock. 

This letter was artfully designed to secure two ob- 
jects ; for presuming, as was the case, that the note 
would be transmitted to the Commanding General, it in- 
formed Arnold that the writer sought an interview with 
him, and afforded the former an opportunity to instruct 
Colonel Sheldon to escort Anderson to head-quarters, 
in case he should arrive within the American lines. 

Arnold accordingly notified Sheldon that he expected 
to meet a person at his quarters, with whom he could 
open a regular " channel of intelligence;" to which Shel- 
don replied, pleading his inability to be present at the 
meeting with the emissary, on account of ill health, and 
advising Arnold to meet him at Dobb's Ferry at the 
appointed time. 

Arnold left the Hobinson House in his barge on the 
afternoon of the 10th, and reaching Haverstraw, passed 
the night at the house of Joshua Hett Smith. On the 
next morning, he proceeded in the barge down the river 
twenty miles to Dobb's Ferry, where lay the Vulture, 
which had brought up Anderson and Colonel Beverly 
Robinson. 

The " Robinson House" yet stands in the Highlands 
on the east side of the Hudson, two miles below West 

* Clinton to Lord G. Germain. — Sparks's Arnold, 168. 



History of West Point. 



97 



Point. Three buildings joined together, extending east 
and west, and fronting north and south, constitute the 
mansion. Nearest to the river is the farm-house, one 
story high. Next east are the main buildings, each 
two stories high. A neat piazza surrounds the eastern 
structure on the north, east, and south sides, which 




THB "BOBINSON house" — SOUTH FBONT. 



extends also along the south side of the central build- 
ing. 

The house now belongs to Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secre- 
tar}^ of State for the United States, who, in making the 
needful repairs, has in no way changed its original appear- 
ance, either inside or out. The same low ceiling, with 
large bare beams overhead ; the same panel-work and 
polished tiles adorn the fireplace without a mantel ; and 
the absence of all ornament, so characteristic of progress 
in architecture, preserves complete the interest which the 
stirring scenes of the Revolution have flung around the 
Robinson House. 



98 History of West Point. 

" Beverly Robinson was a gentleman of high standing. 
His father, speaker of the Virginia legislature, was an 
early friend of Washington, whose modesty and valor 
he complimented in language that is yet remembered. 
The son was married to a great heiress of the day, the 
daughter of Frederic Philipse, and with her acquired 
large estate on the Hudson. At his house Washington 
had met, and sought to win, the younger sister and co- 
heiress. His country-seat in the Highlands, surround- 
ed by pleasant orchards and gardens, and environed by 
sublime scenery, was the head-quarters of the Ameri- 
can generals, who, considering it public property, since 
its owner was in arms for the crown, were wont to use 
it as their own. It was now Arnold's, and sometimes 
Washington's Head-Quarters. 

" Robinson's circumspect and cautious character was 
thought needful to check the buoyancy of his comrade, 
and he was likewise fully acquainted with the pending 
negotiations. Indeed, it was probably through him that 
Arnold's first overtures were made. But the large ac- 
quaintance and interests he had in the region, and his 
knowledge of the country, made his presence addition- 
ally desirable. 

" The interview was to occur on the east side of the 
river, at Dobb's Ferry ; but as Arnold drew near, one of 
those circumstances which the pious man calls provi- 
dence, and the profane calls luck, prevented an encoun- 
ter, that must in all human probability have resulted in 
the consummation of the jilot. Some British gunboats 
were stationed at the place, which opened such a fire on 
the American barge that Arnold, though twice he strove 
hard to get on board, was put in deadly peril of his life 



History of West Point. 99 

and obliged to fall back. How this came to pass without 
Robinson's intervention we cannot imagine ; for it is im- 
possible but that an intimation from him would have 
caused the firing to cease. Or had he repaired, with 
Anderson and his flag, to meet the solitary barge that 
evidently belonged to an officer of rank, an interview 
might at once have been effected in the most plausible 
manner in the world. The circumstances of the case 
would have rendered it easy for Arnold to publicly say 
that he would, since they were thus thrown together, 
waive the prerogative of rank that otherwise might have 
induced him to refer the enemy's flag to an officer of an 
equal grade, and to grant an interview on shore. The 
condition of Robinson's estate was a ready pretext for 
even a private reception, and there was no obstacle to 
Anderson being of the party. In the hope of being 
thus followed, Arnold retired to an American post on 
the west shore, above the Ferry, Avhere he remained till 
sundown, but no flag came. It is scarcely possible that 
the statement attributed to Rodney could have had an 
actual foundation here. At all events, he went back 
that night to West Point, and his coadjutor returned to 
New York. The failure of the meeting can only be 
accounted for by supj)osing that the English messengers 
were on the east bank of the Ferry when Arnold was 
fired at, and could not interfere in season. They could 
hardly have been on the Vulture, since its boat was 
lowered to pursue the American barge, which it did so 
far and so vigorously as to have nearly captured it." 

To avoid suspicion, Arnold wrote on the same day, 
dating his letter " Dobb's Ferry," to the Commander-in- 
chief, informing him of his trip to that point for the 

L.cFC. 



100 History of West Point. 

purpose of establishing a beacon on the mountain, and a 
set of signals to give the alarm, in case the enemy came 
up the river. 

On the 16th of September the Vulture again appeared 
up the river, with Colonel Robinson on board, and 
anchored off Teller's Point, in full view of King's 
Ferry, and about fifteen miles from Arnold's quarters. 
From this anchorage, on the 17th, under a flag of truce? 
and with the pretext of desiring to inquire about his 
property affairs, he thus managed to signify to Arnold 
his presence, and wish to renew negotiations with him. 

On Monday, the 18th, Washington and his staff ar- 
rived at King's Ferry, and crossed the Hudson with 
Arnold in the ferry-barge, on his way to meet the 
French Commander at Hartford. 

With the Vulture in full view, the object of her visit 
was discussed, during which Arnold exhibited the letter 
of Robinson, and he received the strong disapproval 
of his Commander upon the propriety of the proposed 
interview. The night was passed at Peekskill, and on 
Tuesday, the 19th, Arnold parted from Washington for 
the last time, and returned to the Robinson House, 
leaving the Chief to pursue his journey. The same 
day, Arnold replied to Robinson's note, and declined to 
hold further communication with him in relation to pri- 
vate affairs, declaring that all such ought to be referred 
to the civil, and not to the military authorities ; but 
within the official letter were enclosed and sealed two 
notes, one for Colonel Robinson, and the other from 
^^Gustavus' to John Anderson. 

To Robinson he wrote that he would send a trusty 
person to the Vulture, or to Dobb's Ferry, with a boat 



History of West Point. 101 

and a flag of truce, on Wednesday night, the 20th. To 
Anderson he signified his wish to meet him, and that a 
person would be at Dobb's Ferry, on the east side of the 
river, on the night of the 20th, who would conduct him 
to a place where a meeting could be held in safety. 

These letters were forwarded to New York, and on 
the morning of the 20th, Anderson left the city and 
arrived at Dobb's Ferry in the afternoon, where, instead 
of remaining, he proceeded on up to Teller's Point, and 
went on board the Vulture at 7 o'clock that evening. 
The night passed, and no person appeared. 

On Thursday, the 21st, an excuse was found to send 
a flag to the shore, with a complaint signed by the 
captain of the vessel, but countersigned by John 
Anderson as his secretary, and by this expedient the 
presence of the latter in the vessel was made known to 
Arnold. 

A ride of thirteen miles south from West Point, on 
the Hudson River Railroad, carries the traveller to Ver- 
planck's Point, on the east side of the river. King's 
Ferry, the principal channel of communication between 
the Eastern and Southern States, crossed from this point 
to Stony Point, on the west side. Two and a half miles 
below Stony Point is yet to be seen a commodious two- 
story stone house, standing on an elevated position, and 
commanding an extensive view southward of Haverstraw 
Bay and Teller's Point. Joshua Hett Smith, the former 
occupant of this mansion, was a man of education and 
ample estate. Politically opposed to the Convention 
which adopted the Declaration of Independence, he was, 
with his family in general, classed among those who were 
not cordial in their attachment to the American cause. 



102 History of West Point. 

He was hospitable and courteous in his demeanor ; and 
as no stronger evidence existed of his disaffection than 
suspicion, his society, and his services in obtaining sup- 
phes, made him acceptable to General Howe, Arnold, and 
other American officers. To this man Arnold had re- 
course, to assist him in the fulfilment of the plan which 
thus far had so signally failed. 

To what extent he was admitted into Arnold's confi- 
dence will never probably be known ; but under the pre- 
tence that an agent from the enemy was to communicate 
valuable information to the American Commander, Ar- 
nold induced him to become the messenger before desig- 
nated to proceed to Dobb's Ferry, on the night of the 20th 
September. Why he failed in his mission at that time 
does not appear ; but having determined to select Smith's 
house for the interview, should concealment become ne- 
cessary. Smith's family were sent on a visit to Fishkill ; 
and on Thursday, the 21st, at about midnight. Smith, 
wdth two of his tenants as boatmen, was despatched by 
Arnold without a flag to the Vulture, while himself, ac- 
companied by Smith's negro servant, both mounted, pro- 
ceeded to an appointed spot some two miles from the 
house, down on the river's bank. 

A favorable tide, and a calm sea in the bay, soon 
brought the boat with muffled oars alongside of the Vul- 
ture. The object of his mission was quickly made 
known, and after a shght delay, Anderson, in his uniform, 
entered the boat with Smith, and was swiftly rowed to 
the western bank. On its arrival Arnold was found — 
" hid among the firs' — and, leaving Anderson in consulta- 
tion with him. Smith was dismissed, to return to the boat 
and its oarsmen. 



History of West Point. 103 

The interview was prolonged until the morning of 
Friday approached, when Smith sought the conspirators 
and proclaimed that concealment was no longer prac- 
ticable. 

The difficulty of returning to the Vulture was here 
increased by an insurmountable obstacle : the boatmen, 
weary, and alarmed at the risk before them, positively 
refused to act, nor were the inducements or threats of 
Smith or Arnold sufficient to change their purpose. 

Leaving Smith and the remainder of the party to re- 
turn by the boat to the starting-place, Arnold, accom- 
panied by Anderson, mounted on the servant's horse, 
returned to Smith's house. 

The day had fully dawned when Smith joined his two 
companions, and while waiting within the house for 
breakfast to be served, attention was directed down the 
river by the report of artillery. The proximity of the 
Vulture, and her prolonged stay so near the works at 
Verplanck's Point, aroused the anger of the vigilant 
commander,* who, planting a field-piece upon the lesser 
of the two promontories known as Gallows Point, opened 
an incessant fire upon the vessel, and for a time she 
seemed to have been set on fire by the shot. 

From the window of Smith's house, the Vulture was 

* The ammunition for this purpose was furnished from West Point, accompa- 
nied by the following letter to Colonel Livingston, commanding at Verplanck's 

Point :— 

" "West Point, Sept. 20th, 1780. 
" Sm : — I have sent you the ammunition you requested, but at the same time I 
wish there may not be a wanton waste of it, as we have little to spare. Firing at 
a ship with a four-pounder is, in my opinion, a waste of powder ; aa the damaaje 
she will sustain is not equal to the expense. Whenever applications for ammuni- 
tion are made, they must be through the commanding officer of artillery, at the 
Post where it is wanted. 

" I am, Sir, yours, &c., John Lamb." 

[Life John Lamb, 258. — Leake.] 



104 



History of West Point. 



seen to swing off her anchorage, and slowly drop down 
the river with the ebbing tide. Breakfast was despatched, 
when the two plotters, ascending to a chamber, passed 
the greater part of the day in perfecting their plans. 
Late in the afternoon, Arnold, bidding an adieu to his 
companion, returned in his barge to the Robinson House. 




BEUION OF AUNOLU b fKEACUEKV. 



The shadows of evening sunset were fast disappearing 
when Smith, accompanied by Anderson, disguised in a 
coat belonging to the former, rode forth on horseback 



History of West Point. 105 

and crossed King's Ferry, in the hazardous attempt to 
reach New York by the land route, on the east side of 
the river. 

Furnished with the necessary passes, in Arnold's own 
writing, to go by any of the practicable routes, the party 
pursued the road in a northeast direction to the little 
village of Crompond, six miles from Verplanck's Point, 
where they passed the night. On the morning of Satur- 
day, the 23d, the journey was resumed in a direction 
almost due south, until Pine's Bridge, crossing the Cro- 
ton River, was reached, where Smith, separating from 
his companion, returned to the Robinson House, dined 
with Arnold, and pushed on up to join his family at 
Fishkill the same night. 

At this time a local war raged over the thirty miles 
of territory along the river separating the two armies, 
between two factions known as the Cow-Bof/s and SJcin- 
ners. 

The former ostensively affected to be in the interest 
of the enemy, and the latter were supposed to be iden- 
tified with the Americans. Both parties were in truth 
unprincipled robbers and perfidious villains, plundering 
alike the inhabitants, the enemy, each other, Congress, 
and the King. 

The country below Pine's Bridge, in the direction of 
Tarrytown having been represented to the travellers at 
Crompond as infested with Cow-Boys, Anderson, after 
parting from Smith, resolved to leave the road to White 
Plains, whither his pass took him, and trust himself on 
the Tarrytown road, doubtless in the belief that protec- 
tion would be secured from partisans in the friendly 
faction. 



106 History of West Point. 

He had advanced so far as to have left the Bridge 
some ten miles behind him, when, descending a hill, and 
crossing a little rivulet at its foot, three armed men 
sprang from the bushes and interrupted his further pro- 
gress. 



History of West Point. 107 



CHAPTER VII. 

Narrative of One of the Captors. — Anderson Conveyed to 
North Castle. — The Papers found on his Person. — Ander- 
son's Appearance Described. — He is Transferred to the 
"Robinson House." — Arrival of Washington. — The Plot Dis- 
covered. — Flight of Arnold. — Andre Conveyed to West 
Point and from thence to Tappan. — Board of General Offi- 
cers Convened. 

From the many published accounts of the scene 
which ensued, the narrative of David Williams is 
selected, part of which is sworn evidence, and the 
remainder given by him at a later day. 

" Myself, Isaac Van Wart, and John Paulding were 
lying in the bushes in the morning, about 9 or 10 
o'clock, on Saturday, the 23d of September last, about 
half a mile, as near as I recollect, above Tarrytown, 
on the east side of the North River. Several per- 
sons came along whom we knew, and let pass, and 
presently came along a person whom we told Mr. 
Paulding to stop. Mr. Paulding stepped out and pre- 
sented his piece to his breast, and bid him stand, which 
he did. The person said, ' Gentlemen, I hope you be- 
long to our party.' Mr. Paulding made answer, ' What 
party ?' He said, ^ The lower party,' which Mr. 
Paulding told him we did. The person said, ^ I am 
glad to see you ; I am an officer in the British service, 
and have now been on particular business in the coun- 



108 History of West Point. 

try, and I hope you will not detain me.' And for a 
token, to let us know he was a gentleman, he pulled out 
his watch. Mr. Paulding told him to dismount, on which 
the pei;son found out that we belonged to the upper 
party. He said, ' My God, I must do any thing to get 
along,' on which he pulled out General Arnold's pass, 
and gave it to Mr. Paulding, who read it, on which Mr. 
Paulding again told him to dismount. The person said 
he was to pass down as far as Dobb's Ferry, and was to 
meet another gentleman there, and was to get intelli- 
gence for General Arnold ; he told us we Avould bring 
ourselves into trouble if we did not let him go." Wil- 
liams further says : " We were about allowing him to 
proceed, and he was reining his horse into the road, 
when Paulding, in an under-tone, exclaimed : ' D — n 
him, I do not like his looks.' He was then ordered 
again to stop, and one of the party asked him wdiat he 
had done with the paper he had in his hand when first 
discovered (this, it afterwards appeared, was a sketch 
of the route). The question produced a momentary 
hesitation, and his embarrassment being noticed by the 
party, he was told that the circumstance of his first 
avowing himself to be of the lower party, required 
their searching his person. They led his horse into a 
field, partly covered with underwood. His person was 
strictly searched, including his hat, coat, vest, shirt, and 
breeches ; even his hair, which was done up in a queue, 
in the fashion of the day, was untied without creating 
any unusual anxiety in Andre until he was told to take 
off his boots, when he changed color, and manifested 
fear in his countenance. The papers were then dis- 
covered. He had eighty dollars in Continental money." 



History of West Point. 109 

Mr. Williams, in his sworn statement, goes on to say : 
^' Mr. Paulding looked at the papers, and said he was a 
spy. We made him dress himself, and I asked him 
what he would give us to let him go ; he said he would 
give us any sum of money. I asked him whether he 
would give us his horse, saddle, bridle, watch, and one 
hundred guineas, upon which he said yes, and told us 
he would direct it to any place, even if it was that very 
spot, so that we could get it. I asked him whether he 
would not give us more ; he said he would give us any 
quantity of dry goods, or any sum of money, and bring 
it to any place that we might pitch upon, so that we 
might get it ; upon which Mr. Paulding answered no ; 
if you would give us ten thousand guineas you shall not 
stir one step. A¥hile the search was going on the horse 
had strayed some distance, grazing on the underbrush ; 
when it was completed, one of us led up the horse, and 
he was permitted to mount, and he was then taken to 
the military post commanded by Colonel Jameson."* 

North Castle at this time was a cavalry outpost, and, 
with some Connecticut militia, constituted Lieutenant- 
Colonel Jameson's command. This officer, following the 
usual channel of military correspondence, despatched the 
captive with a note to his immediate commanding officer 
(Arnold), detailing the occurrence ; but the papers being, 
as he expressed it, " of a very dangerous tendency," were 
forwarded to the Commander-in-chief, in the hope of in- 
tercepting him on his return from Hartford. 

Late in the afternoon. Major Benjamin Tallmadge, an 
officer of rare merit and sterling patriotism, arrived at 

* Capture of Andre.— John Paulding, Esq., N. T. Hist. Mag., 334, Nov., 185T. 



110 History of West Point. 

the Post, and, learning the whole occurrence, prevailed 
with much entreaty on Jameson to order the return of 
Anderson, who was brought back that night ; while the 
note to Arnold, to the chagrin of Tallmadge, was per- 
mitted to proceed to its destination. This error* in the 
decision of Jameson saved the life of Arnold. 

The following papers were in the possession of Ander- 
son. All, except the first, were found disposed inside of 
his stockings and beneath his feet. 

These documents have been carefully corrected from 
the originals, which are preserved in the N. Y. State 
Library at Albany. 

No. 1. 

[In Arnold's handwriting.] 

" Head Quarters Robinson's House, 
''Sept. 22d, 1780. 

" Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the Guards to the 
White Plains, or below if he Chuses. He being on Pub- 
lic Buisness by my Direction. 

" B. Arnold, M. Gen'>" 

No. 2. 

[In Arnold's handwriting.] 

" WsT Point, September 5th, 1780. 

^'Artillery Orders. 

" The following disposition of the corps is to take place 
in case of an alarm: [The enemy were to give the 
alarm.] 

* On the 2Tth of September, Jameson wrote Washington : " I am very sorry 
that I wrote to General Arnold. I did not think of a British ship being up the 
river, and expected that, if he was the man he has since turned out to be, he 
would come down to the troops in this quarter, in wliich case I should have 
Becured him." —[Correspondence of the Revolution, III, 102.— Sparks.] 



History of West Point. Ill 

" Capt. Dannills with his Comp'y at Fort Putnam, 
and to detach an officer with 12 men to Wyllys's Re- 
doubt, a Non Commissioned officer with 3 men to Webb's 
Redoubt, and the like number to Redoubt No. 4. 

" Capt. Thomas and Company to repair to Fort Ar- 
nold. 

" Captain Simmons and Company to remain at the 
North and South Redoubts, at the East side of the 
River, until further Orders. 

" Lieutenant Barber, with 20 men of Capt. Jackson's 
Company, will repair to Constitution Island; the re- 
mainder of the Company, with Lieut. Mason's, will re- 
pair to Arnold. 

" Capt. Lieut. George and Lieut. Blake, with 20 men 
of Captain Treadwell's Company, will Repair to Re- 
doubt No. 1 and 2 ; the remainder of the Company will 
be sent to Fort Arnold. 

^' Late Jones's Company, with Lieut. Fisk, to repair to 
the South Battery. 

" The Chain Battery, Sherburn's Redoubt, and the 
Brass Field pieces, will be manned from Fort Arnold, as 
Occation may require. 

" The Commissary and Conductor of Military Stores 
will in turn wait upon the Commanding Officer of Artil- 
lery for Orders. 

" The artificers in the garrison, (agreeable to former 
Orders), will repair to Fort Arnold, and there receive 
further Orders from the Command'g Officer of Artil- 
lery. 

" S. Bauman,* Major Commt Artillery. '' 

* Major Sehastian Bauman was, early in ITTG, appointed a captain of artillery. 
He served throughout the war, and was afterwards the Postmaster of the city 



112 History of West Point. 

This document gave the British full information of 
what would be the disposition of the Americans on the 
occasion; and as Sir Henry Clinton and many of his 
officers were acquainted with the ground, they would 
know at what particular points to make their attacks. 

No. 3. 

[In Arnold's handwriting.] 

"ESTIMATE OF FORCES AT WST POINT AND ITS DEPENDENCIES, 
Septmiber 13, 17S0. 

*' A brigade of Massachusetts Militia, and two regiments of Rank 
and File New Hampshire, Inclusive of 166 Batteaux Men 
at Verplanck's and Stony Points 992 

" On command and Extra Service at Fishkills, New Windsor, &c., 

&c., who may be called in occationally 852 

" 3 regiments of Connecticut Militia, under the Com'd of Colonel 

Wells, on the lines near N. Castle 488 

" A detachment of New York levies on the lines 115 



Militia.... 2,447 

" Colonel Lamb's Regiment 167 

" Colonel Livingston's, at Verplank and Stony Pts. 80 

Continent : 247 

"Colonel Sheldon's Dragoons, on the lines, about one half 

mounted 142 

" Batteaux Men and Artificers 250 



Total 3,086 



of New York. He died October 19th, 1803. The following correspondence with 
Colonel Lamb is inserted to show a trait in liis character : 

" Fort Arnoli>, June 7, 1779. 
* * * * "I siiould be exceedingly obliged to you if you could procure me 
a Horsemans Tent, as I am without Quarters, without any Bedding, and some- 
time without eating, and if nature had not provided Water, [which is in great 
plenty here] would be without drink, too." * * * * 

" S Bauman." 
Again he says : 

^ West Point, June 80, 1779. 

" I should be exceedingly happy if you would pay me a visit. I have at pres- 
ent middling good quarters. I could accomodate you in a manner so as to afford 
you a nights lodging, and give you Continental fare. As for Uquors I have none, 
my daily drink is Water, which I tWnk rather hard for a man in years, and who 
is on continual fatigue, and who never before experienced so mean nutriment." 
* * * * "S. Bauman." 

[Lamb MSS., N. Y. Hist. Col.] 



History of West Point. 



113 



No. 4. 

[In the handwriting of Vlllefranche, a French engineer.] 

"ESTIMATE OP THE NUMBER OF MEH" NECESSAET TO MAN THE WORKS 
AT WEST POINT AND IN THE VICINITY. 

"Fort Arnold 620 

Putnam 450 

Wyllys 140 

Webb 140 

Redoubt No. 1 .... 150 

" ViLLEFEANOHE, Engineer. 

" N. B. — The Artillery Men are not included in the above estimate." 



Redoubt No 


2.. 


. 150 


Redoubt No. 7.. 


.. 78 


ditto 


3.. 


. 120 


North Redoubt. . 


.. 120 


ditto 


4.. 


. 100 


South Redoubt . 


.. 130 


ditto 


5.. 


. 139 






ditto 


6.. 


. 110 


Total... 


2,438 



114 



History of West Point. 



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N. B.— The following ordnance not 
distributed : 

No. 6 Iron 12 Pounder. 
4 do. 9 do. 
1 do. 6 do. 

1 do. 4 do. 

2 do. 3 do. 

14 

3 Brass 24 Pounders. 
7 do. 12 do. 

1 do. 8 inch howitzer. 

11 



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History of West Point. 115 

No. 6. 

[In Arnold's handwriting.] 
[endorsement.] 

" Remarks on "Works at "West Point. A copy to be transmitted* to His 
Excellency General "Washington, Sep'r, 1780. 

" Fort Arnold is built of Dry Fascines and Wood, is 
in a ruinous condition, incompleat, and subject to take 
Fire from Shells or Carcasses. 

" Fort Putnam, Stone, wanting great repairs, wall on 
the East side broke down, and rebuilding From the 
Foundation. At the West and South side have been a 
Chevaux-de-Frise ; on the West side broke in many 
Places. The East side open ; two Bomb Proofs and 
•Provision Magazine in the Fort, and Slight Wooden 
Barrack. A commanding piece of ground 500 yards 
West, between the Fort and No. 4 — or Rocky Hill. 

'^ Fort Webb, built of Fascines and Wood, a slight 
Work, very dry, and liable to be set on fire, as the ap- 
proaches are very easy, without defenses, save a slight 
Abattis. 

" Fort Wyllys, built of stone, 5 feet high, the Work 
above plank filled with Earth, the stone work 15 feet, the 
Earth 9 feet thick. — No Bomb Proofs, the Batteries 
without the Fort. 

" Redoubt No. 1. — On the South side wood 9 feet 
thick ; the Wt., North and East sides 4 feet thick, no can- 
non in the works ; a slight and single Abattis, no ditch 
or Pickett. Cannon on two Batteries. No Bomb Proofs. 

" Redoubt No. 2. — The same as No. 1. No Bomb 
Proofs. 

" Redoubt No. 3, a sHght Wood Work 3 Feet thick, 

* This was intended to deceive, should it fall into improper hands. 



116 History of West Point. 

very Dry, no Bomb Proofs, a single Abattis, the work 
easily set on fire — no cannon. 

" Redoubt No. 4, a Avooden work about 10 feet high 
and fore or five feet thick, the West side faced with a 
stone wall 8 feet high and four thick. No Bomb Proof, 
two six pounders, a slight Abattis, a commanding piece 
of ground 500 yards Wt. 

" The North Redoubt, on the East side, built of stone 
4 feet high ; above the stone, wood filled in with Earth, 
very Dry, no Ditch, a Bomb Proof, three Batteries with- 
out the Fort, a poor Abattis, a Rising piece of ground 
500 yards So., the approaches under cover to within 20 
yards. — The Work easily fired with Faggots diptd in 
Pitch, &c. 

" South Redoubt, much the same as the North, a 
Commanding piece of ground 500 yards due East — 3 
Batteries without the Fort." 

These '^ Remarks" were accompanied by the report 
of the Council of War held at Washington's head-quar- 
ters, September 6, 1780, which document, setting forth 
the weakness, wants, and gloomy prospects of the 
American army, is as follows :— 

" At a Council of War, held in Camp Bergen County, 
Sept. 6th, 1780. 

"- Present — the Commander-in-Chief 

" The Commander-in-Chief states to the Council, that 
since he had the honor of laying before the General 
Officers, at Morristown, the 6th of June last, a general 
view of our circumstances, several important events 
have occurred, which have materially changed the pros- 
pects of the Campaign. 



History of West Point. 117 

"That the success [assistance] expected from France, 
instead of coming out in one body, and producing a 
Naval Superiority in these Seas, has been divided into 
two Divisions, the first of which only consisting of 
seven ships of the line, one forty-four and three smaller 
Frigates, with five thousand land Forces, had arrived at 
Rhode Island. 

^' That a Reinforcement of six ships of the line from 
England having reinforced the Enemy, had made their 
Naval Force in these seas amount to Nine Sail of the 
Line, Two Fifties, two forty-fours, and a number of 
smaller Frigates, a Force completely superior to that of 
our Allies, and which has in consequence held them 
Blocked up in the harbor of Rhode Island till the 29th 
ult., at which Period the British Fleet disappeared, and 
no advice of them has since been received. 

" That Accounts received by the Alliance Frigate, 
which left France in July, announces the Second Divi- 
sion to be confined in Brest with several other Ships by 
a British Fleet of thirty-two Sail of the line, and a Fleet 
of the Allies of Thirty-six, or thirty-eight Ships of the 
line ready to put to sea from Cadiz to relieve the Port 
of Brest. 

" That most of the States in their answers to the re- 
quisitions made of them, give the strongest assurances 
of doing every thing in their power to furnish the men 
and supplies required for the expected Co-operation. 
The effect of which, however, has been far short of our 
expectations, for not much above one-third of the Levies 
demanded for the Continental Battalions, nor above the 
Same proportion of Militia have been assembled, and 
the Supplies have been so inadequate that there was a 



118 History of West Point. 

necessity for dismissing all the Militia, whose immediate 
services could be dispensed with to lessen our consump- 
tion, notwithstanding which the Troops now in the 
Field are severely suffering for want of Provision. 

" That the army at this Post and in the vicinity in 
opperating Force consists of 10,400 Continental Troops, 
and about 400 Militia, besides which is a Regiment of 
Continental Troops of about 500 at Rhode Island, left 
there for the assistance of our Allies, against any 
attempt of the enemy that way, and two Connecticut 
State Regiments amounting to 800 at North Castle. 

" That the Times of Service for which the Levies are 
Engaged will expire the first of January, which, if not 
replaced, allowing for the usual Casualties, will reduce 
the Continental Army to less than 6,000 men. 

'^ That since the state [ment] to the Council above Re- 
ferred to, the Enemy have brought a detachment of about 
3,000 men from Charles Town to New York, which makes 
the present opperating Force in this Quarter between Ten 
and Eleven Thousand men. 

" That the Enemies Force now in the Southern States 
has not been lately ascertained by any distinct accounts, 
but the General supposes it cannot be less than 7,000 
(of which about 2,000 are at Savannah) in this estimate 
the Diminution by the Casualties of the Climate, is sup- 
posed to be equal to the increase of Force derived from 
the Disaffected. 

" That added to the loss of Charles Town and its Gar- 
rison accounts of a recent misfortune are just arrived 
from Major-General Gates, giving advice of a general 
action which happened on the 16th of August near 
Ca.mpden. in which the army under his Command met 



History of West Point. 119 

with a total defeat, and in all probability the whole of 
the Continental Troops, and a considerable part of the 
Militia would be cut off. 

" That the State of Virginia has been some time exert- 
ing itself to raise a Body of 3,000 Troops to serve till 
the end of December, 1781, but how far it has succeeded 
is not known. 

" That Maryland had Resolved to raise 2,000 Men, of 
which a sufficient number to compose one Battalion was 
to have come to this army. The remainder to recruit 
the Maryland line — but in consequence of the late 
advices, an order has been sent to march the whole 
Southward. 

" That the Enemies Force in Canada, Halifax, St. 
Augustine, and at Penobscot, remains much the same as 
stated in the preceding Council. 

" That there is still reason to believe the Court of 
France will prosecute its original intention of giving 
effectual succor to this Country, as soon as circum- 
stances will permit; and it is hoped the second Divi- 
sion will certainly arrive in the course of the fall. 

" That a Fleet greatly superior to that of the Enemy 
in the West Indies, and a formidable land Force had 
sailed sometime since from Martinique to make a com- 
bined attack upon the Island of Jamaica, that there is 
a possibility of a reinforcement from this quarter also, 
to the Fleet of our Ally at Rhode Island. 

" The Commander-in-Chief having thus given the Coun- 
cil a full view of our present Situation and future pros- 
pects, requests the Opinion of each Member, in writing, 
what plan it will be advisable to pursue, to what objects 
Our Attention ought to be directed in the course of this 



120 History of West Point. 

fall and winter, taking into consideration the alternatiye 
of having or not having a Naval Superiority, whether 
any Offensive operations can be immediately undertaken 
and against what Point, what ought to be our immediate 
Preparations and dispositions, particularly whether we 
can afford or ought to send any Reinforcements from 
this Army to the Southern States, and to what amount. . 
The General requests to be favored with these opinions 
by the 10th instant at farthest."* 

On Sunday, the 24th, Anderson was conveyed to 
Lower Salem, and committed to the custody of a guard 
under Lieutenant King, who thus describes the prisoner : 

'^ He looked somewhat like a reduced gentleman. His 
small clothes were Nankeen, with handsome whitetop 
|)oots — in fact his undress military clothes. His coat 
purple, with gold lace, worn somewhat threadbare, with 
a small brimmed, tarnished beaver on his head. He 
wore his hair in a queue, with long black beard, and his 
clothes somewhat dirty. In this garb I took charge of 
him. After breakfast my barber came in to dress me, 
after which I requested him to undergo the same opera- 
tion, which he did. When th^ ribbon was taken from 
his hair I observed it full of powder ; this circumstance, 
with others that occurred, induced me to beheve I had 
no ordinary person in charge. He requested permission 
to take the bed whilst his shirt and small clothes could 
be washed. I told him that was needless, for a shirt 
was at his service, which he accepted. We were close 
pent up in a bed-room, with a Vidette at the door and 

♦Arnold's reply in writing, to the foregoing, is given in the "Correspondence 
of the Kevolution," III., 85.— Sparks. 



History of West Point. 121 

window. There was a spacious yard before the door, 
which he desired he might be permitted to walk in with 
me. I accordingly disposed of my guard in such a 
manner as to prevent an escape. Whilst walking 
together he observed he must make a confidant of 
somebody, and he knew not a more proper person than 
myself, as I had appeared to befriend a stranger in dis- 
tress. After settling the point between ourselves, he 
told me who he was, and gave me a short account of 
himself, from the time he was taken in St. John's in 
1775, to that time. He requested a pen and ink, and 
wrote immediately to General Washington, declaring 
who he was. [Page 132, ^'Proceedings of the Board."] 

About midnight the express returned with orders 
from General Washington to Colonel Sheldon to send 
Major Andre immediately to Head-Quarters."* 

In the midst of a drenching rain, in the dark and dis- 
mal night a strong escort commanded by Major Tall- 
madge set out, and with the unfortunate captive reached 
the Robinson House about daylight on Tuesday morning, 
the 26th. 

Returning to the papers which had been forwarded to 
Washington, and the note sent to Arnold by Jameson, 
it was supposed that the former would return from 
Hartford by the same route he had pursued in going to 
that point ; but, for some reason not explained, he took 
the upper road which approached the Hudson at Fishkill, 
thirteen miles, as the road then ran, above the Robinson 
House, arriving there in the afternoon of Sunday, the 
24th. 

It was the intention of Washington to press on that 

* 2J. T. Hist Mag., 293, Oct., 1857. . 



122 History of West Point. 

evening and pass the night at Arnold's Head-Quarters ; 
but meeting the French envoy, then on his way to meet 
Rochambeau, he decided to pass the night at Fishkill. 

That evening the Cliief and his staff were entertained 
at a festive board where sat Joshua Hett Smith, little 
thinking that the stroke arrested from one, would so 
completely overwhelm the other. 

Early on Monday, the 25th, Washington set out for 
the Robinson House, designing to reach there in time 
for breakfast. Arriving opposite West Point, he de- 
spatched two of his aides to announce his arrival, while 
he with his remaining staff, ascended the hill to inspect 
the North and Middle Redoubts.* 

Breakfast was served on the arrival of the two aides, 
and while seated at the table with Arnold and his 
family, the note from Jameson announcing the capture 
of Andre was placed in Arnold's hand. With a slight 
apology, and but little discomposure, he left the table, 
summoned the cockswain of his barge, ordered a horse, 
and ascended to the northeast chamber, followed by 
Mrs. Arnold. 

There he informed her of his danger, and leaving her 
in a swoon, he pressed a kiss upon his sleeping infant 
boy,-|- and returning to his guests, he informed them that 
it was necessary for him to repair to West Point, to make 
arrangements for the reception of his Commander ; then 
mounting his horse, followed by the cockswain on foot, 
he dashed down the path yet called "Arnold's path," to 



* Heath's Memoirs. 

\ Edward Shippen Arnold was born in Philadelphia, March 19th, 1780 ; he en- 
tered the East India Company's service, and became a Lieutenant of Cavalry and 
Paymaster of Mattra. He died in India in 1813, 



History of West Point. 123 

the dock on the south side of the point, a little below 
the Robinson House, through which the Hudson River 
Railroad now cuts its way. A barge with the breath- 
less, panting renegade, under cover of a white handker- 
chief raised upon a stick, sped its way down the river 
to the Vulture. 

Upon completing the inspection of the Redoubts, 
Washington repaired to the Robinson House, and learn- 
ing that Arnold had crossed to West Point, he proceeded 
after a hasty breakfast, accompanied by all his staff 
except Hamilton, to examine the works at that garrison, 
while the General Commanding was on the spot. 

On his arrival, he found, to his astonishment, that 
Arnold had not been there, and after a general inspection 
of the works, the party returned to the east side of the 
river. Jameson's courier, with the papers of a " danger- 
ous tendency," had arrived during the absence of the 
Chief at West Point, and while ascending the path 
to the Robinson House, Hamilton placed them in his 
hand. 

A few moments later. La Fayette and Knox were 
made acquainted with the traitor's design, and to them 
the Chief tearfully and pathetically appealed, " Whom 
can we trust now ?" 

The moment was indeed a trying one, and measures 
were promptly taken to prevent further disastrous 
results. 

That night every camp and garrison in the army was 
warned of approaching danger, fatigue parties were 
called in, and the troops held in hand to move to the 
assistance of the garrison at West Point at a moment's 
warning. 



124 History of West Point. 

At midnight, Joshua Hett Smith* was arrested at 
Fishkill, and on the morning of Tuesday, the 26th, both 
Andre and himself were prisoners in the Robinson 
House. 

In the afternoon of the same day, Andre and Smith 
were removed for greater security to West Point,f and 
on Thursday morning, the 28th, both were conveyed in 
separate barges, under a guard commanded by Major 
Tallmadge, down the river to Tappan, where the main 
body of the army lay encamped. 

A Board of General Officers constituting a Court of 
Inquiry, instructed to report the facts and give an 
opinion, was convened to investigate the case of Andre. 
Their proceedings, as published by Congress, are here- 
with given. 

* Smith was tried by a Court-Martial, -whicli failing to convict him, he was 
conveyed to Goshen and turned over to the civil authorities. He escaped from 
jail at this point, and made his way in disguise to New York. At the close of 
hostihties he went to England ; but afterwards returned and died in New York, 
in 1818. — [Field-Book of the Revolution, I., 752. — Lossing."" 

f The traditions extant, that Andre was confined in the magazine in Fort Putnam, 
have no official authority. The work at that time was undergoing demolition and 
rebuilding. The present work was for the most part enlarged from the old one, 
and rebuilt, fifteen years later. The regard sho-mi Andre in the measures else- 
where adopted for his security, affords reason to believe that no deprivation of 
Mght or society attended his confinement at West Point. 



History of West Point. 125 



CHAPTER yill. 

Proceedings of the Board of General Officers. — Letters of 
"Washington to Congress. — Andre to "Washington and Shel- 
don. — Letter from Arnold to Washington. — Robinson to 
Washington. — Clinton to Washington. — Arnold to Clinton. 
— Report of the Board. — Andre to Clinton. — Washington to 
Clinton. — Robertson to Washington. — Reply of Washington. 
— Clinton to Washington. — Arnold to Washington. — Rob- 
ertson TO Washington. — Arnold to Washington. — Andre to 
Washington. 



History of West Point. 127 

[Fac-Swiiie.^ 

PROCEEDINGS 



OF A 



BOARD 

F 

GENERAL OFFICERS, 

Held By Order Of 

His Excellency Gen. WASHINGTON, 

Commander in Chief of the Army of the United States 
of America. 

RESPECTING 

Major JOHK, AlSLDHEy 

Adjutant General of the British Army. 

September 29, 1780. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

Printed by FRANCIS BAILEY, in Market-Street. 
M.DCC.LXXX. 



History of West Point. 129 



EXTRACTS OF LETTERS 

from General Washington, to the 
President^ Congress. 



Robinfon's Hoiife, in the Highlands, Sept. 26, 1780. 
SIR, 

I HAVE the honor to inform Congrefs, that I arrived 
here yefterday about twelve o'clock on my return from 
Hartford. Some hours previous to my arrival Major Ge- 
neral Arnold went from his quarters, which were this 
place, and, as it was fuppofed, over the river to the garrifon 
at Weft Point, whither I proceeded myfelf, in order to 
vifit the poft. I found general Arnold had not been there 
during the day, and on my return to his quarters he was 
ftill abfent. In the mean time, a packet had arrived from 
Lieut. Colonel Jamefon, announcing the capture of a John 
Anderfon, who was endeavouring to go to New-York with 
feveral interefting and important papers, all in the hand 
writing of general Arnold. This was alfo accompanied with 
a letter from the prifoner, avowing himfelf to be major John 
Andre, Adjutant General to the Britifh army, relating the 
manner of his capture, and endeavouring to fhew that he was 
not come under the defcription of a Jpy. From thefe feveral 
circumftances, and information that the General feemed to be 
thrown into fome degree of agitation, on receiving a letter a 
little time before he went from his quarters, I was led to 
conclude immediately that he had heard of major Andre's 
captivity, and that he would, if poffible, efcape to the enemy, 
and accordingly took fuch meafures as appeared the moft prob- 
able to apprehend him. But he had embarked in a barge 
and proceeded down the river, under a flag, to the Vulture 

fhip 



130 History of West Point. 

( 4 ) 

fhip of war, which lay at fome miles below Stoney and Ver- 
plank's Points. He wrote me a letter after he got on board. 
Major Andre is not arrived yet, but I hope he is fecure, 
and that he will be here to-day. I have been and am taking 
precautions, which I truft will prove effeftual to prevent the 
important confequences which this conduct, on the part of 
General Arnold, was intended to produce. I do not know 
the party that took Major Andre, but it is faid that it con- 
fifted only of a few militia, who afted in fuch a manner upon 
the occafion, as does them the higheft honor, and proves them 
to be men of great virtue. As foon as I know their names, 
I ftiall take pleafure in tranfmitting them to Congrefs. 



Paramus, October 7, 1780. 

SIR, 

I HAVE the honour to enclofe Congrefs a copy of the 
proceedings of a Board of General Officers in the cafe of 
Major Andre, Adjutant General to the Britifli army. This 
officer was executed in purfuance of the opinion of the board, 
on Monday, the 2d inftant, at 1 2 o'clock, at our late camp at 
Tappan. Befides the proceedings I tranfmit copies of fun- 
dry letters refpefting the matter, which are all that pafled on 
the fubjed, not included in the proceedings. 

I have now the pleafure to communicate the names of the 
three perfons who captured Major Andre, and who refufed to 
releafe him, notwithftanding the moft earneft importunities and 
afliarances of a liberal reward on his part. Their names are 
John Paulding, David Williams, and Ifaac Van Wert. 



PROCEEDINGS 



History of West Point. 131 

PROCEEDINGS 

O F A 

Board of General Officers, 

Held by order of his Excellency General Washington, 
commander in chief of the army of the United States 
of America, refpefting Major Andre, Adjutant General 
of the Britifh army, September the 29th, 1780, at Tappan, 
in the State of New-York. 

PRESENT, 

Major General Greene, Prefident, 
Major General Lord Stirling, 
Major General St. Clair, 
Major General The Marquis de la Fayette, 
Major General Howe, 
Major General The Baron de Steuben, 
Brigadier General Parfons, 
Brigadier General Clinton, 
Brigadier General Knox, 
Brigadier General Glover, 
Brigadier General Patterfon, 
Brigadier General Hand, 
Brigadier General Huntington, 
Brigadier General Starke, 

John Lawrence, Judge-Advocate General. 

MAJOR Andre, Adjutant General to the Britifh army 
was brought before the Board, and the following letter 
from General Wafhington, to the Board, dated Head Quar- 
ters, Tappan, September 29th, 1780, was laid before them, 
and read. 

*' GeMlemen, 
" Major Andre, Adjutant General to the Britifh army, 
** will be brought before you for your examination. He 
" came within our lines in the night, on an interview 
" with Major General Arnold, and in an afTumed charac- 
" ter ; and was taken within our lines, in a difguifed ha- 
" bit, with a pafs under a feigned name, and with the 
" inclofed papers concealed upon him. After a careful 

examination. 



132 History of West Point. 

( 6 ) 

" examination, you will be pleafed, as fpeedily as poffible, 
" to report a precife ftate of his cafe, together with your 
** opinion of the light in which he ought to be confidered, 
** and the punifhment that ought to be inflifted. The Judge- 
" Advocate will attend to affift in the examination, who has 
" fundry other papers, relative to this matter, which he will 
" lay before the Board. 

" / have the honour to be, 
" Gentlemen, 

" Your viojl obedient and humble Jervant, 

" G. Washington." 
*' The Board of General Officers, 
convened at Tap pan." 

The names of the officers compofmg the board were read 
to Major Andre, and on his being afked whether he confefled 
the matters contained in the letter from his Excellency General 
Wafhington to the board, or denied them, tie [aid, in addi- 
tion to his letter to general Wajhington, dated Salem, the 
z\th September, 1780, (which was read to the board and 
acknowledged by Major Andre, to have been written by him, 
which letter is as follows : 

Salem, 24th Sept. 1780. 
"SIR, 

" What I have as yet laid concerning myfelf, teas in the 
" jujiifiable attempt to be extricated; I am too little acciij- 
" tamed to duplicity to have fucceeded. 

"I beg your Excellency will be perjuaded, that no alter- 
" ation in the temper of my mind, or cij)prehenJion for my 
"fafety, induces me to take the /lep oj addrejjing you, but 
" that it is to fecure myfelf from an imputation of having 
" a/fumed a mean charaaer for treacherous purpqfes or 
"Jelf intereft. A condud incompatible with the principles 
" that aduated me, as well as with my condition in life. 

" It is to vindicate my fame that I f peak and not to fo- 
" licit fecurity . 

" ihe peifon in your po/fejfion is Major John Andre, 
" Adjutant General to the Briti/h army. 

" The influence of one commander in the army of his 
" adverfary is an advantage taken in war. A correjpon- 
" dene e for this purpofe I held; as confidential [in the pre- 
"fent injiance) with his Excellency Sir Henry Clinton. 

" To favour it, I agreed to meet upon ground not 
"within pojis of either army, a perfon who was to give 
*'me intelligence; I came up in the Vulture man of war 

for 



History of West Point. 133 

( 7 ) 

**for this effeB, and was fetched by a boat from thejliore to 
" the beacn: Being there I was told that the approach of day 
" would prevent my return, and that I miijl be concealed 
*' until the next night. I was in my regimentals and had 
* fairly rfked my perfon. 

" Againjl my Jiipulation, my intention and zvithout my 
'' knowledge bfore hand, I zvas condutled within one of 
"your pqjls. Your Excelleucy may conceive my fenfation 
"on this occci/zon and will imagine how much more Imujl 
"have been affeded, by a rfufal to recondud me back 
"the next night as I had been brought. Thus become a 
"• prifoner I had to concert my efcape. I quitted my uni- 
**form and was paffed another way in the night without 
" the Ajnerican pojls to neutral ground, and informed I was 
"beyond all armed parties and left to prejs Jor New-York. 
" I was taken at Tarry Town by fome volunteers. 

" Thus as I have had the honor to relate was I betrayed 
" ( being adjutant general of the Bntfli army ) into the 
" vile condition of an enemy in difguife within your pq/ls. 

" Having avowed myfelf a Bntifli ofp,cer I have nothing 
"to reveal but what relates to myfelf which is true on 
" the honor of an officer and a gentleman. 

*' The requejl I have to make your Excellency and I am 
" confcious I addrefs 'mjfef well, is, that in any rigor 
"policy may diBate, a decency of condud towards me may 
"mark, that though unfortunate I am branded with no- 
*'' thing dfhonourable, as no motive could be mine but the 
"fervice of my king and as I was involuntarily an impq/hr. 

" Another requeji is, that I may be permitted to write 
*' an open letter to Sir Henry Clinton and another to a 
'friend for cloaths and linen. 

"I take the liberty to mention the condition of fome 
"gentlemen at Charles-Town, who being either on parole 
"or under protedion were engaged in a conf piracy againft 
"us. Though their ftuation is not fmilar, they are objetls 
" who may be fet in exchange for me, or are perfons whom 
" the treatment I receive might affed. 

"It is no lefs Sir in a confidence in the generojity of your 
"mind than on account of your fuperior Jiation that 1 have 
" chofen to importune you with this letter. 

" I have the honour to be, with great refped. Sir, 
" Your Excellency's moft obedient 
"and moll humble fervant, 

"JOHN ANDRE, 
"His Excellency adjutant general." 

" General Wcfhington 

"&c. &c. &c."J That 

10 



134 History of West Point. 

( 8 ) 

That he came on Ihore from the Vulture floop of war 
in the night of the twenty firft of September inftant, fome- 
where under the Haverftraw Mountain That the boat he 
came on fhore in carried no Jlag, and that he had on a fur- 
tout coat over his regimentals, and that he wore his furtout 
coat when he was taken. That he met general Arnold on 
the fhore and had an interview with him there. He alfo 
faid that when he left the Vulture floop of war, it was un- 
derftood he was to return that night ; but it was then 
doubted, and if he could not return he was promifed to be con- 
cealed on fhore in a place of fafety, until the next mglit, when 
he was to return in the fame manner he came on fhore ; and 
when the next day came he was folicitous to get back, and 
made enquiries in the courfe of the day, how he fhould 
retnrn, when he was informed he could not return that way 
and mull take the rout he did afterwards. He alfo faid. 
That the firft notice he had of his being within any of our 
pojls, was, being challenged by the fentry, which was the 
firfl night he was on fhore. He alfo faid, that the evening 
of the twenty-fecond of September inftant, he paffed King's 
Ferry between our pojls of Stoney and Ferplank's Points, 
in the drefs he is at prejent in and tvhich he faid was not 
his regimentals, and which drefs he procured, after he landed 
from the Vulture and when he was within our pojl, and that 
he was proceeding to New-York, but was taken on his way, 
at Tarry Town, as he has mentioned in his letter, on Saturday 
the twenty-third of September inftant, about nine o'clock in 
the morning. 



The following papers were laid before the board and 
fhewn to major Andre, who confefTed to the board that they 
were found on him when he was taken, and faid they were 
concealed in his boot, except the pafs : 

A pafs from general Arnold to John Anderjon, which name 
major Andre acknowledged he ajjumed : 

Artillery orders, September 5, 1780. 

Eftimate of the force at Weft Point and it's dependencies. 
September 1780. 

Eftimate of men to man the works at Weft Point, &c. 

Return of ordnance at Weft Point, September 1780. 

Remarks on works at Weft Point. 

Copy of a ftate of matters laid before a council of war, by 
his Excellency general Walhington, held the 6th of September 
1780. 

A letter 



History of West Point. 135 

( 9 ) 

A letter figned John Anderfon, dated Sept. 7, 1780, to 
Colonel Sheldon*, was alfo laid before the Board, and fhewn 
to Major Andre, which he acknowledged to have been written 
by him, and is as follows : 

"SIR, « New-York, the jth Sept. 1 780. 

" I AM told my name is made known to you, and that 
" I may hope your indulgence in permitting me to meet 
" a friend near your out pq^s. / will endeavour to obtain 
** permiffion to go out zvith a Jlag which will be fent to 
" Dobb's Ferry on Monday next, the nth, at twelve o'clock, 
" when I fliall be happy to meet Mr G — §. Should I not 
" be allowed to go, the officer who is to command the efcort, 
" between whom and myfelf no diftinftion need be made, can 
" fpeak on the affair. 

" Let me entreat you, Sir, to favour a matter fo intereft- 
** ing to the parties concerned, and which is of fo private a 
" nature that the public on neither fide can be injured by it. 

" I fliall be happy on my part in doing any aft of kindnefs 
" to you in a family or property concern of a fimilar nature. 

" I truft I fhall not be detained, but fliould any old 
" grudge be a caufe for it, I fliall rather rifk that, than neg- 
" left the bufinefs in queftion, or a/fume a m\Jierious cha- 
" racter to carry on an innocent affair, and, as friends have 
" advifed, get to your lines by ftealth. I am. Sir, with all 
" regard, 

*' Your mojl obedient humble ferv ant, 

"John Anderson." 
" Col. Sheldon." 



* Left it Jliould be Juppe fed that Colonel Sheldon, to zvhom 
the above letter is addrejea, was privy to the plot carrying on 
by general Arnold, it is to be objerved, that the letter was 
jound among Arnold's papers, and had been tranjmitted by 
Colonel Sheldon, zuho, it appears from a letter oj the gth of 
September to Arnold, which inclofed it, had never heard of 
John Anderjon before. Arnold in his anfwer on the \oth, 
acknowledged he had not communicated it to him, though he 
had informed him that he expeded a perfon would come fom 
New- York, for the purpoje of bringing him intelligence. 

( § ) /f appears by the fame letter that Arnold had written 
to Mr. Anderfon, under the pgnature of Gii/favus. His 
words are. "/ was obliged to write with great caution to 
him, m,y letter was Jigned Gujlavus to prevent any difcovery 
in cafe it fell into the hands of the enemy." 



136 History of West Point. 

( lo ) 

Major Andre obferved that this letter could be of no 
force in the cafe in queftion, as it was written in New York, 
when he was under the orders of General Clinton, but that 
it tended to prove that it was not his intention to come within 
our lines. 

The Board having interrogated Major Andre about his 
conception of his coming on fhore under the fanftion of a 
flag, he Jaid, That it was impojjible for him to Juppoje he 
came on Jliore under that Jantlion ; and added. That if he 
came on fhore under that fanftion, he certainly might have 
returned under it. 

Major Andre having acknowledged the preceeding fa£ls, 
and being afked whether he had any thing to fay refpedling 
them, anfwered. He left them to operate with the Board. 

The examination of Major Andre being concluded, he was 
remanded into cuftody. 

The following letters were laid before the Board, and 

read : Benedift Arnold's letter to General Wafhington, 

dated September 25, 1780, Col. Robinfon's letter to General 
Wafhington, dated September 25, 1780, and general Clinton's 
letter, dated the 26th September, 1780, (inclofmg a letter 
of the fame date from Benedift Arnold) to General Wafh- 
ington. 



SIR, 



" On board the Vulture, Sept. 25, 1780. 



" THE heart which is confcious of its own reflitude, can- 
not attempt to palliate a ftep which the world may cenfure 
as wrong ; I have ever afted from a principle of love to my 
country, fmce the commencement of the prefent unhappy 
conteft between Great-Britain and the Colonies ; the fame 
principle of love to my country actuates my prefent conduft, 
however it may appear inconfiftent to the world, who very 
feldom judge right of any man's adions. 

" I have no favour to afk for myfelf. I have too often 
experienced the ingratitude of my country to attempt it : 
but from the known humanity of your Excellence, I am 
induced to afk your proteftion for Mrs. Arnold, from 
every infult and injury that the miftaken vengeance of 
my country may expofe her to. It ought to fall only on 
me ; fhe is as good and as innocent as an angel, and is 
incapable of doing wrong. I beg fhe may be permitted 
to return to her friends in Philadelphia, or to come to me 
as fhe may choofe : from your Excellency I have no fears 

on 



History of West Point. 137 

( ^1 ) 

on her account, but fhe may fufFer from the miftaken fury of 
the country. 

" I have to requeft that the inclofed letter may be deli- 
vered to Mrs. Arnold, and fhe permitted to write to me. 

" I have alfo to a(k that my cloaths and baggage, which 
are of little confequence, may be fent to me, if required 
their value fhall be paid in money. 

" / have the honour to be, with great regard and ejleem, 
" Your Excellency's mqft obedient humble ferv ant, 

"B. ARNOLD." 

" His Excellency 
" General Washington." 

*'N. B. In juftice to the gentlemen of my family. Col. 
Varrick and Major Franks, I think myfelf in honour bound 
to declare, that they, as well as Jofhua Smith, Efq, (who I 
know is fufpefted) are totally ignorant of any tranfadions of 
mine, that they have reafon to believe were injurious to the 
public." 



*' Vulture, off Sinfinck, Sept. 25, 1780. 
"SIR, 
" I AM this moment informed that Major Andre, Adju- 
tant General of his Majefty's army in America, is detained 
as a prifoner, by the army under your command. It is 
therefore incumbent on me to inform you of the manner of 
his falling into your hands : He went up with a flag at the 
requefl of General Arnold, on public bufinefs with him, and 
had his permit to return by land to New-York : Under 
thefe circumftances Major Andre cannot be detained by you, 
without the greatefl violation of flags, and contrary to the 
cultom and ufage of all nations ; and as I imagine you will 
fee this matter in the fame point of view as I do, I mull 
defire you will order him to be fet at liberty and allowed 
to return immediately : Every ftep Major Andre took was 
by the advice and direftion of General Arnold, even that 
of taking a feigned name, and of courfe not liable to cenfure 
for it. 

" / am, Sir, not forgetting our former acquaintance, 
" Your very humble Jervant, 

BEV. ROBINSON, Col. 
Loyl. Americ." 
" His Excellency 
" General Washington." 

"New- 



138 History of West Point. 

( 12 ) 

"New-York, Sept. 26, 1780. 
"SIR, 
" BEING informed that the King's Adjutant General in 
America has been ftopt under Major General Arnold's paiT- 
ports, and is detained a prifoner in your Excellency's army, 
I have the honour to inform you. Sir, that I permitted Major 
Andre to go to Major General Arnold at the particular re- 
queft of that general officer. You will perceive. Sir, by the 
inclofed paper, that a flag of truce was fent to receive 
Major Andre, and paffports granted for his return, I there- 
fore can have no doubt but your Excellency will immediately 
direft, that this officer has permiffion to return to my orders 
at New-York. 

" I have the honour to be your Excellency'' s 

" mojt obedient & mojl humble Jervt. 
"H. CLINTON." 
"His Excellency General Washington." 

"New-York, Sept. 26, 1780. 
"SIR, 

" IN anfwer to your Excellency's meflage, refpeding your 
Adjutant General, Major Andre, and deliring my idea of 
the reafons why he is detained, being under my paflports, 
I have the honour to inform you, Sir, that I apprehend a 
few hours mull reftore Major Andre to your Excellency's 
orders, as that officer is afluredly under the protedlion of a 
flag of truce fent by me to him for the purpofe of a conver- 
fation which I requefted to hold with him relating to myfelf, 
and which I wifhed to communicate through that officer to 
your Excellency. 

" I commanded at the time at Wefl Point, had an un- 
doubted right to fend my flag of truce for Major Andre, 
who came to me under that protedlion, and having held 
my converfation with him, I delivered him confidential pa- 
pers in my own hand writing, to deliver to your Excel- 
lency, thinking it much properer he ftiould return by land, 
I direded him to make ufe of the feigned name of John 
Anderfon under which he had by my diredlion come on 
fliore, and gave him my paflports to go to the White 
Plains on his way to New-York. This officer cannot there- 
fore fail of being immediately fent to New-York, as he was 
invited to a converfation with me, for which I fent him a flag 
of truce, and finally gave him paflports for his fafe return to 
your Excellency; all which I had then a right to do, being 
in the adual fervice of America, under the orders of Gene- 
ral 



History of West Point. 139 

( 13 ) 

ral Wafhington, and commanding general at Weft Point and 
its dependencies. 

" / have the honour to be, your Excellency's 
" moll obedient and very humble fervant, 

"B. ARNOLD." 
" His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton." 

The Board having confidered the letter from his Excel- 
lency General Wafhington refpefting Major Andre, Adjutant 
General to the Britifh army, the confeffion of Major Andre, 
and the papers produced to them, REPORT to His Excel- 
lency, the Commander in Chief, the following fa£ls, which 
appear to them relative to Major Andre. 

Firjl, That he came on fhore from the Vulture floop of 
war in the night of the twenty-firft of September inftant, on 
an interview with General Arnold, in a private and Jecret 
manner. 

Secondly, That he changed his drejs within our lines^ and 
under a feigned name, and in a difguijed habit, pafled our 
works at Stoney and Verplank's Points, the evening of the 
twenty-fecond of September inftant, and was taken the morn- 
ing of the twenty-third of September inftant, at Tarry Town, 
in a difguifed habit, being then on his way to New York, and 
when taken, he had in his poffeffion feveral papers which con- 
tained intelligence for the enemy. 

The Board having maturely confidered thefe fa£ls, DO 
ALSO REPORT to His Excellency General Wafhington, 
That Major Andre, Adjutant General to the Britifh army, 
ought to be confidered as a Spy from the enemy, and that 
agreeable to the law and ufage of nations, it is their opinion, 
he ought to fufFer death. 

Nath. Greene, M Genl. Prefident. 

Stirling, M. G. 

Ar. St. Clair, M. G. 

La Fayette, M. G. 

R. Howe, M. G. < 

Stuben, M. G. 

Saml. H. Parfons, B. Genl. 
James Clinton, B. Genl. 

H. Knox, Brigr. Genl. Artillery. 

Jno. Glover, B. Genl. 

John Patterjon, B. Genl. 

Edwd. Hand, B. Genl. 

J. Huntington, B. Genl. 

John Starke, B. Genl. 

John Lawrence, J. A. Genl. 



140 History of West Point. 



A P P E N D I X. 



Copy of a Letter from Major Andre, Adjutant General, to 
Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. &c. &c. 

Tappan, Sept. 29, 1780. 
SIR, 

YOUR Excellency is doubtlefs already apprifed of the 
manner in which I was taken, and poffibly of the ferious 
light in which my condufl is confidered, and the rigorous 
determination that is impending. 

Under thefe circumftances, I have obtained General Wafh- 
ington's permiffion to fend you this letter ; the objefi; of which 
is, to remove from your breaft any fufpicion, that I could 
imagine I was bound by your Excellency's orders to expofe 
myfelf to what has happened. The events of coming within 
an enemy's polls, and of changing my drefs, which led me to 
my prefent fituation, were contrary to my own intentions, as 
they were to your orders ; and the circuitous route, which I 
took to return, was impofed (perhaps unavoidably) without 
alternative upon me. 

I am perfectly tranquil in mind, and prepared for any fate, 
to which an honeft zeal for my King's fervice may have de- 
voted me. 

In addreffing myfelf to your Excellency on this occalion, 
the force of all my obligations to you, and of the attach- 
ment and gratitude I bear you, recurs to me. With all the 
warmth of my heart, I give you thanks for your Excellency's 
profufe kindnefs to me ; and I fend you the moft earneft 
wilhes for your welfare, which a faithful, afFedlionate, and 
refpeftful attendant can frame. 

I have a mother and three fillers, to whom the value of 
my commiffion would be an objeft, as the lofs of Grenada 
has much affefted their income. It is needlefs to be more 
explicit on this fubjedt; I am perfuaded of your Excellency's 
goodnefs. 

I receive 



History of West Point. 141 

( 15 ) 

I receive the greateil attention from his Excellency General 
Wafhington, and from every perfon, under v/hofe charge I 
happen to be placed. 

/ have the honour to be. 

With the mojl rejpedful attachment. 

Your Excellency's moji obedient 

and mqji humble Jerv ant, 

JOHN ANDRE, 
(Addrefled) Adjutant General. 

His Excellency 
General Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. 
&c. &c. t3c. 



Copy of letter from His Excellency General Wafhington, 
to His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton. 

Head Quarters, Sept. 30, 1780. 
SIR, 

IN anfwer to your Excellency's letter of the 26th inftant, 
which I had the honour to receive, I am to inform you that 
Major Andre was taken under fuch circumftances as would 
have juftified the moll fummary proceedings againft him. I 
determined, ho.wever, to refer his cafe to the examination 
and decifion of a Board of General Officers, who have re- 
ported, on his free and voluntary confeffion and letters, 

" That he came on fhore from the Vulture floop of war in 
" the night of the twenty-firlt of September inflant," &c. &c. 
as in the report of the Board of General Officers. 

From thefe proceedings it is evident Major Andre was 
employed in the execution of meafures very foreign to the 
objefls of flags of truce, and fuch as they were never meant 
to authorife or countenance in the mofl diftant degree ; and 
this gentleman confefTed, with the greateft candor, in the 
courfe of his examination, " That it was impoffible for him 
" to fuppofe he came on fhore, under the fanftion of a 
"flag." 

/ have the honour to be your Excellency's 
Mojl obedient and moJi humble Jerv ant, 

G. WASHINGTON. 
(AddrefTed) 
His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton. 

In this letter. Major Andre's of the 29th of September to 
Sir Henry Clinton, was tranfmitted. 

New- York, 



142 History of West Point. 

( 16 ) 

New-York, 29, Sept. 1780. 
SIR, 

PERSUADED that you are inclined rather to promote 
than prevent the civilities and ads of humanity, which the 
rules of war permit between civilized nations, I find no diffi- 
culty in reprefenting to you, that feveral letters and meflages 
fent from hence have been difregarded, are unanfwered, and 
the flags of truce that carried them, detained. As I ever have 
treated all flags of truce with civility and refped, I have a 
right to hope, that you will order my complaint to be imme- 
diately redrelTed. 

Major Andre, who vifited an officer commanding in a 
diftrift at his own defire, and aded in every circumftance 
agreeable to his dire6lion, I find is detained a priloner ; my 
friendfliip for him leads me to fear he may fuffer fome incon- 
venience for want of neceffaries ; I wifli to be allowed to fend 
him a few, and fhall take it as a favour if you will be pleafed 
to permit his fervant to deliver them. In Sir Henry Clinton's 
abfence it becomes a part of my duty to make this reprefenta- 
tion and requeft. 

/ am. Sir, your Excellency's 

Mo/i obedient humble fervant, 

JAMES ROBERTSON, 
Lt. General. 
His Excellency 
Ge?ieral Wafhington. 

Tappan, Sept. 30, 1780. 
SIR, 

I HAVE juft received your letter of the 29th. Any 
delay which may have attended your flags has proceeded from 
accident, and the peculiar circumftances of the occafion, — not 
from intentional negleft or violation. The letter that admit- 
ted of an anfwer, has received one as early as it could be given 
with propriety, tranfmitted by a flag this morning. As to 
mefl'ages, I am uninformed of any that have been fent. 

The neceflaries for Major Andre will be delivered to him, 
agreeable to your requeft. 

/ am. Sir, 

Your viojl obedient humble fervant, 

G. WASHINGTON. 
His Excellency 
Lieut. General Robertfon, 
New-York. 

New-York, 



History of West Point. 143 

( 17 ) 

New-York, Sept. 30, 1780. 
SIR, 

FROM your Excellency's letter of this date, I am per- 
fuaded the Board of General Officers, to whom you referred 
the cafe of Major Andre, can't have been rightly informed 
of all the circumftances on which a judgment ought to be 
formed. I think it of the higheft moment to humanity, that 
your Excellency fhould be perfedlly apprized of the iiate of 
this matter, before you proceed to put that judgment in exe- 
cution. 

For this reafon, I Ihall fend His Excellency Lieut. Ge- 
neral Robertfon, and two other gentlemen, to give you a 
true ftate of fadls, and to declare to you my fentiments and 
refolutions. They will fet out to-morrow as early as the wind 
and tide will permit, and will wait near Dobbs's ferry for your 
permiffion and fafe conduft, to meet your Excellency, or fuch 
perfons as you may appoint, to converfe with them on this 
fubjeft. 

/ have the honour to be, yotir Excellency'' s 

Mojl obedient ana viojl humble J erv ant, 

H. CLINTON. 

P. S, The Hon. Andrew Elliot, Efq. Lieut. Governor, 
and the Hon. William Smith, Chief Juftice of this pro- 
vince, will attend His Excellency Lieut. General Robert- 
fon. 

H. C. 

His Excellency General Wafhington. 

Lieut. General Robertfon, Mr. Elliot, and Mr. Smith 
came up in a flag veflel to Dobbs's ferry, agreeable to the 
above letter. The two laft were not fuffered to land. Ge- 
neral Robertfon was permitted to come on fhore, and was 
met by Major General Greene, who verbally reported that 
General Robertfon mentioned to him in fubftance what is 
contained in his letter of the 2d of Odober to General 
Wafhington. 

New-York, OSl. 1, 1780. 
SIR, 

I TAKE this opportunity to inform your Excellency, 
that I confider myfelf no longer afting under the commiffion 
of Congrefs : Their laft to me being among my papers at 
Weft-point, you. Sir, will make fuch ufe of it, as you think 
proper. 

C At 



144 History of West Point. 

( 18 ) 

At the fame time, I beg leave to aflure your Excellency, 
that my attachment to the true intereft of my country is 
invariable, and that I am adluated by the same principle 
which has ever been the governing rule of my conduft, in 
this unhappy conteft. 

/ have the honour to be, very reJpeBfully, 

Your Excellency's mojl obedient humble fervant, 

B. ARNOLD. 
His Excellency General Wafhington. 



Greyhound Schooner, Flag of Truce, 
Dobbs's Ferry, Odober 2, 1780. 
SIR, 

A NOTE I have from General Greene, leaves me in 
doubt if his memory had ferved him, to relate to you vt^ith 
exaftnefs the fubftance of the converfation that had pafled 
between him and myfelf, on the fubjed of Major Andre. In 
an affair of fo much confequence to my friend, to the two 
armies, and humanity, I would leave no poflibility of a mif- 
underftanding, and therefore take the liberty to put in writing 
the fubftance of what I faid to General Greene. 

I offered to prove, by the evidence of Colonel Robinfon 
and the officers of the Vulture, that Major Andre went on 
fhore at General Arnold's defire, in a boat fent for him with 
a flag of truce ; that he not only came afhore with the know- 
ledge and under the protedlion of the General who commanded 
in the diftrift, but that he took no ftep while on fhore, but by 
direftion of General Arnold, as will appear by the inclofed 
letter from him to your Excellency. 

Under thefe circumftances I could not, and hoped you 
would not, confider Major Andre as a fpy, for any improper 
phrafe in his letter to you. 

The fa6ts he relates correfpond with the evidence I offer; 
but he admits a conclufion that does not follow. The change 
of cloaths and name was ordered by General Arnold, under 
whofe diredions he neceffarily was, while within his com- 
mand. As General Greene and I did not agree in opinion, 
I wifhed, that difinterefted gentlemen of knowledge of the 
law of war and nations, might be afked their opinion on the 
fubjeft ; and mentioned Monfieur Knyphaufen, and General 
Rochambault. 

I related that a Captain Robinfon had been delivered 
to Sir Henry Clinton as a fpy, and undoubtedly was 
fuch : but that it being fignified to him that you were 

defirous 



History of West Point. 145 

( '9 ) 

defirous that this man fhould be exchanged, he had ordered 
him to be exchanged. 

I wifhed that an intercourfe of fuch civilities, as the rules 
of war admit of, might take off many of its horrors. I ad- 
mitted that Major Andre had a great fhare of Sir Henry 
CHnton's efteem, and that he would be infinitely obliged by 
his liberation ; and that if he was permitted to return with 
me, I would engage to have any perfon you would be pleafed 
to name fet at Hberty. 

I added, that Sir Henry Clinton had never put to death 
any perfon for a breach of the rules of war, though he had, 
and now has, many in his power. Under the prefent cir- 
cumftances, much good may arife from humanity, much ill 
from the want of it. If that could give any weight, I beg 
leave to add, that your favourable treatment of Major Andre, 
will be a favour I Ihould ever be intent to return to any you 
hold dear. 

My memory does not retain with the exaftnefs I could wifh, 
the words of the letter which General Greene fhewed me from 
Major Andre to your Excellency. For Sir Henry CHnton's"^ 
fatisfadlion, I beg you will order a copy of it to be fent to me 
at New-York. 

/ have the honour to be, your Excellency's 
Mqjl obedient and viojl humble J erv ant, 

JAMES ROBERTSON. 
His Excellency General Wafhington. 

New-York, Odober i, 1780. 
SIR, 

THE polite attention fhewn by your Excellency and the 
Gentlemen of your family to Mrs. Arnold, when in diftrefs, 
demand my grateful acknowledgment and thanks, which I beg 
leave to prefent. 

From your Excellency's letter to Sir Henry Clinton, I find 
a Board of General Officers have given it as their opinion, 
that Major Andre comes under the defcription of a fpy : My 
good opinion of the candor and juftice of thofe Gentlemen 
leads me to believe, that if they had been made fully acquaint- 
ed with every circumftance refpedting Major Andre, that they 
would by no means have confidered him in the light of a 
fpy, or even of a prifoner. In juftice to him, I think it my 
duty to declare, that he came from on board the Vulture at 
my particular requeft, by a flag fent on purpofe for him 
by Jofhua Smith Efq. who had permiffion to go to Dobbs's 
ferry to carry letters, and for other purpofes not mentioned, 

and 



146 History of West Point. 

( 20 ) 

and to return. This was done as a blind to the fpy boats : 
Mr. Smith at the fame time had my private diredions to go 
on board the Vulture, and bring on fhore Col. Robinfon, or 
Mr. John Anderfon, which was the name I had requefted Ma- 
jor Andre to afliime : At the fame time I defired Mr. Smith 
to inform him, that he fhould have my proteftion, and a fafe 
paflport to return in the fame boat, as foon as our bufinefs 
was compleated. As feveral accidents intervened to prevent 
his being fent on board, I ga/e him my paflport to return by 
land. Major Andre came on fhore in his uniform (without 
difguife) which with much reluftance, at my particular and 
prefling inftance, he exchanged for another coat. I furnifhed 
him with a horfe and faddle, and pointed out the route by 
which he was to return. And as commanding officer in the 
department, I had an undoubted right to tranfaft all thefe 
matters ; which, if wrong. Major Andre ought by no means to 
fuiFer for them. 

But if, after this juft and candid reprefentation of Major 
Andre's cafe, the Board of General Officers adhere to their 
former opinion, I fhall fuppofe it didated by paffion and re- 
fentment ; and if that Gentleman fhould fuffer the feverity of 
their fentence, I fhall think myfelf bound by every tie of duty 
and honour, to retaliate on fuch unhappy perfons of your 
army, as may fall within my power, that the refpeft due to 
flags, and to the law of nations, may be better underftood and 
obferved. 

I have further to obferve, that forty of the principal inhab- 
itants of South-Carolina have juftly forfeited their lives, which 
have hitherto been fpared by the clemency of His Excellency 
Sir Henry Clinton, who cannot in juflice extend his mercy 
to them any longer, if Major Andre fuffers ; which in all proba- 
bility will open a fcene of blood at which humanity will 
revolt. 

Suffer me to intreat your Excellency, for your own and 
the honour of humanity, and the love you have of juftice, that 
you fuffer not an unjuft fentence to touch the life of Major 
Andre. 

But if this warning fhould be difregarded, and he fuffer, I 
call heaven and earth to witnefs, that your Excellency will be 
juftly anfwerable for the torrent of blood that may be fpilt in 
confequence. 

/ have the honour to be, with due refped, your Excellency's 
Mqji obedient and very humble Jerv ant, 
B. ARNOLD. 
His Excellency General Washington. 

Tappan, 



History of West Point. 147 

( 21 ) 

Tappan, Od. i, 1780. 
SIR, 

BUOY'D above the terror of death by the confcioufnefs 
of a life devoted to honourable purfuits, and ftained with no 
aftion that can give me remorfe, I truft that the requeft I 
make to your Excellency at this ferious period, and which is 
to foften my laft moments, will not be rejefted. 

Sympathy towards a foldier will furely induce your Excel- 
lency and a military tribunal to adopt the mode of my death 
to the feelings of a man of honour. 

Let me hope. Sir, that if ought in my charader imprefles 
you with efteem towards me, if ought in my misfortunes marks 
me as the viftim of policy and not of refentment, I fhall expe- 
rience the operation of thefe feelings in your breaft, by being 
informed that I am not to die on a gibbet. 

/ have the honour to he, your Excellency's 
Moji obedient and mojl humble J erv ant, 

JOHN ANDRE, 
Adj. Gen. to the Bntifli army. 

The time which elapfed between the capture of Major 
Andre, which was on the morning of the 23d of Sept. and his 
execution, which did not take place till 12 o'clock on the 2d 
of Oftober ; — the mode of trying him ; — his letter to Sir Henry 
Clinton, K. B. on the 29th of September, in which he faid, " I 
" receive the greateft attention from his Excellency General 
" Wafhington, and from every perfon under whofe charge I 
*' happen to be placed ;" — not to mention many other ac- 
knowledgments, which he made of the good treatment he re- 
ceived ; — muft evince, that the proceedings againft him were 
not guided by paffion or refentment. The pracElice and ufage 
of war were againft his requeft, and made the indulgence he 
folicited, circumftanced as he was, inadmiffible. 

Publi/hed by order of Congrefs, 
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary. 



History of West Point. 149 



CHAPTER IX. 

Andr6's Statement. — His Execution. — Assignment of General 

McDoUGALL TO CoMMAND AT WeST PoINT. — GENERAL GreENE 

Ordered to Relieve him. — The Army go into "Winter Quar- 
ters. — Visit of the Marquis de Chastellux. — Celebration at 
"West Point op the Birth of the Dauphin of France. — Gen- 
eral Knox Ordered to Command at West Point. — Major 
Fleming Succeeds Him. — Removal of the Great Chain from 
the Hudson. — Attempt to Raise the Old Iron in the Sunken 
Frigates. — Captain Molly. — The Artillerists and Engineers. 
— Establishment of a Military School. — Repairs on the Forti- 
fications. — Report of Major Niven. — Visit of Liancourt. — 
West Point no longer of Importance as a Defensive Point. 

These Proceedings were not followed by the usual 
formality of a trial by a court-martial, nor were wit- 
nesses summoned ; but the following paper, submitted 
by Andre, was placed before the Board : 

"AXDR]&'S STATEMENT. 

" On the 20th of September I left New York, to get 

on board the Vulture, in order [as I thought] to meet 

General Arnold there in the night. No boat, however, 

came off, and I waited on board until the night of the 

21st. During the day, a flag of truce was sent from 

the Vulture to complain of the violation of a military 

rule, in the instance of a boat having been decoyed on 

shore by a flag, and fired upon. The letter was addressed 

to General Arnold, signed by Captain Sutherland, but 
11 



150 History of West Point. 

written in my hand, and countersigned ' J. Anderson, 
Secretary.' Its intent was to indicate my presence on 
board the Vulture. In the night of the 21st, a boat 

with Mr. '^ and two hands came on board, in order 

to fetch Mr. Anderson on shore, and, if too late to 
bring me back, to lodge me until the next night in a 
place of safety. I went into the boat, landed, and 
spoke with Arnold. I got on horseback with him to 

proceed to * house, and in the way jmssed a guard I 

did not expect to see, having Sir Henry Clinton's direc- 
tions not to go within an enemy's post, or to quit my 
own dress. 

" In the morning A. quitted me, having himself made 
me put the papers I bore between my stockings and 
feet. Whilst he did it, he expressed a wish, in case 
of any accident befalling me, that they should be de- 
stroyed, which I said, of course would be the case, as 
when I went into the boat I should have them tied 
about with a string and a stone. Before we parted, 
some mention had been made of my crossing the river, 
and going by another route ; but, I objected much 
against it, and thought it was settled that in the way I 
came, I was also to return. 

" Mr, * to my great mortification persisted in his 

determination of carrying me by the other route; and, 
at the decline of the sun, I set out on horseback, passed 
King's Ferry, and came to Crompond, where a party of 
militia stopped us and ad^dsed we should remain. In 

the morning I came with * as far as within two miles 

and a half of Pine's Bridge, where he said he must part 
with me, as the Cow-Boys infested the road thencefor- 

* Joshua Ilett Smith. 



History of West Point. 151 

ward. I was now near thirty miles from Kingsbridge, 
and left to the chance of passing that space undiscovered. 
I got to the neighbourhood of Tarrytown, which was far 
beyond the points described as dangerous, when I was 
taken by three volunteers, who, not satisfied with my 
pass, rifled me, and, finding papers, made me a prisoner. 
" I have omitted mentioning, that, when I found my- 
self within an enemy's posts, I changed my dress." 

" There is a tide" in the annals of war, as well as " in 
the affairs of men," which must be "taken at its full." 

The period was a critical one — distrust, suspicion, and 
lack of confidence, amounting almost to demoralization, 
prevailed in the army. 

If, in the history of a nation, an hour arrived when a 
" military necessity" justified the infliction of the penalty 
of death, the time had surely come. 

At 12 o'clock on Monday, the 2d of October, Andre 
was executed in the presence of the army, at Tappan. 

Dressed with scrupulous neatness, in full uniform, he 
said to those who, drawn by his gentle, truthful, and 
candid nature, clustered around him to take his hand : 
"All I request of you, gentlemen, is, that you Avill bear 
witness to the world that I die like a brave man;" and 
adding, " It will be but a momentary pang," Major 
Andre died, " lamented even by his foes." 

Eighty-three years have passed, bringing to light the 
memoirs, incidents, details, and opinions of those who 
participated on that trying occasion ; but nothing has 
transpired to indicate that the measure of justice then 
meted out was not even-handed and impartial.* 

* The remains of Major Andre were interred at Tappan, on the spot where he 



152 History of West Point. 

On the 27th of September, General McDougall was 
ordered to assume the command at West Point, until the 
arrival of General St. Clair. Three days after, the lat- 
ter was directed to take command of the Post and its 
dependencies ; his command was to consist of the Penn- 
sylvania division, Meigs's and Livingston's regiments of 
Continentals, and a body of Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire militia.* In the mean time Major-General 
Greene made application for the command, and on the 
6th of October he was directed to repair to West Point, 
taking with him the Jersey, York, and Starke's Brigades, 
and on his arrival to reheve General St. Clair. The 
latter, with the Pennsylvania division and Meigs's regi- 
ment, was directed to join the army.-j* 

General Greene was enjoined to exercise great vigi- 
lance in completing the works, and providing magazines 
and shelter for the troops. 

A delegation of the Southern States having applied 
to have General Greene succeed General Gates in the 
command of the Southern army, on the 14th of October 
Major-General Heath was ordered to repair to West 
Point and relieve General Greene. The latter left to join 
his new command on the 19th. 

On the 28th of November, the army went into winter 
quarters in the Highlands and its vicinity. The Jersey 
brigades returned to that State. Four Massachusetts 
brigades were added to the garrison at West Point, 



was executed; they were exhumed in 1821, under the direction of the British 
Consul, and conveyed to England. A very interesting account of this occurrence 
wiU be found in the United Service Journal [British], November, 1833. 

* Writings of Washington, Sparks, VIL, 223. 

f Id., Sparks, VIL, 232. | Heath's Memoirs. 



History of West Point. 



153 



and two from Connecticut were stationed on the east 
side of the river opposite, and on Constitution Island, 
while General Head-Quarters were established at New 
Windsor. 

It was at this period that the Major-General, the 
Marquis de Chastellux, visited West Point, and the fol- 
lowing description of the works, at that time, is taken 
from his narrative : * * * * ♦ 




FOET PUTNAM — FBOM TUB WEST POINT HOTEL. 



" The first fort we met with above West Point, on 
the declivity of the mountain, is called Fort Putnam, 
from the Generar" of that name. It is placed on a rock, 
very steep on every side ; the ramparts were at first 
constructed with trunks of trees ; they are rebuilt with 
stone, and are not quite finished. There is a powder 
magazine, bomb-proof, a large cistern, and souterrains 
for the garrison. Above this fort, and when w^e reach 



* Named from Colonel Rufus Putnam. 



154 History of West Point. 

the loftiest summit, there are three strong redoubts, 
lined with cannon, at three different eminences, each of 
which would require a formal siege. The day being 
nearly spent, I contented myself with judging by the 
eye of the very intelligent manner in which they are 
calculated for mutual protection. Fort Wyllis, whither 
General Heath conducted me,''' was near and more ac- 
cessible. Though it be placed lower than Fort Put- 
nam, it still commands the river to the south. It is a 
large pentagonal redoubt, built of huge trunks of trees ; 
it is picketed and lined with artillery. Under the fire 
of this redoubt, and lower down, is a battery of cannon, 
to range more obliquely the course of the river. This 
battery is not closed at the gorge, so that the enemy 
may take, but never keep it ; which leads me to remark 
that this is the best method in all field fortifications. 
Batteries placed in works have two inconveniences : the 
first is, that if these works be ever so little elevated, 
they do not graze sufficiently ; and the second, that the 
enemy may at once attack the redoubt and the battery; 
whereas the latter, being exterior, and protected by the 
redoubt, must be first attacked ; in which case it is sup- 
ported by troops who have nothing to fear for them- 
selves, and whose fire is commonly better directed, and 
does more execution. A battery yet lower, and nearer 
to the river [Fort Meigs], completes the security of the 
southern part. 

" In returning to West Point, we saw a redoubt that 
is suffered to go to ruin, as being useless, which in fact 
it is.f It was night when we got home, but what I had 

* The General, it appears, did not visit Fort Webb, 
f Probably on Block-House Point, near Mr. Kinsley's. 



History of West Point. 165 

to observe did not require daylight. It is a vast souter- 
rain, formed within the Fort of West Point [Fort Clin- 
ton], where not only the jjowder and ammunition neces- 
sary for this Post are kept in reserve, but the deposit of 
the whole army. 

" These magazines completely filled, the numerous 
artillery one sees in these different fortresses, the prodi- 
gious labour necessary to transport, and pile up on steep 
rocks, huge trunks of trees, and enormous hewn stones, 
impress the mind with an idea of the Americans very 
difiierent from that which the English ministry have 
laboured to give to Parliament." f * * * 

With the exception of Fort Putnam, upon which 
repairs were commenced fourteen years later, these works 
remain at this moment, with no change other than that 
wrought by neglect and decay. 

The age of progress and the march of empire have left 
these monuments of the labor and skill of that patriot 
band, not one of whom, it is believed, is still among the 
living inhabitants of the present day. 

One incident only, of interest, occurred from the date 
last mentioned until the close of hostilities, and this was 
the celebration of the birth of the unfortunate Louis the 
XVII. of France. 

The army had passed the winter in the Highlands, 
and the following extracts explain the character of the 
rejoicing held over the event referred to : 

" Head-Quaeters, Newburg, 

" Tuesday, May 28th, 1782. 

'^ Orders : 

" The Commander-in-Chief is happy in the opportu- 

\ Travels in North. America. — Chastellux. 



156 History of West Point. 

nity of announcing to the Army, the birth of the Dau- 
phin of France ; and desirous of giving a general occasion 
of testifying the satisfaction which he is convinced, will 
pervade the breast of every American officer and soldier, 
on the communication of an event so highly interesting 
to a monarch and nation, w^ho have given such distin- 
guishing proofs of their attachment, is pleased to order 
2i,feu dejoie on Thursday next; and requests the com- 
pany of all the General, Regimental, and Staff Officers 
of the Army, who are not necessarily detained by duty, 
at West Point on that day at four o'clock. Command- 
ing Officers of Brigades and Corps will receive particular 
instructions for their government." 

"Head-Quarters, Ne-wbttrg, 
" Wednesday, May 29th, 1782. 

" The Troops are to be supplied with an extra gill of 
Rum per man to-morrow. 

" Memorandum. 
" The Commander-in-Chief desires his compliments 
may be presented to the Officers' Ladies, Avith and in 
the neighborhood of the Army, together with a request 
that they will favor him with their company at dinner 
on Thursday next, at West Point. The General will be 
happy to see any other Ladies of his own or his friends' 
acquaintance, on the occasion, without the formality of 
a particular invitation." 

" Inspector-General's Order, 
[West PomT,] ''May 30, 1782. 

" The Regimental Quarter-Masters will instantly apply 
to the Conductor of Military Stores for three blank car- 
tridges for each man and Non-commissioned officer ; they 



History of West Point. 157 

will be careful that all the other cartridges are taken 
out of the boxes, and delivered to the men as soon as 
the feu dejoie is over. Colonel Crane will please to di- 
rect that the thirteen cannon which are to compose the 
Park are furnished with two hundred and eight blank 
cartridges ; Fort Sherburne* six ; the South Redoubt 
with three ; and the Garrison at Stoney Pointf with 
thirteen. 

" Colonel Crane's Regiment of Artillery will parade 
and receive his Excellency on his arrival ; after which, 
one Captain, Captain-Lieutenant, and two Sub-Lieuten- 
ants, with sixty privates of the same Regiment, will 
form a Guard of Infantry, and receive the Inspector- 
General's particular orders ; the remainder of the Regi- 
ment will man the Batteries. 

" The discharge of thirteen cannon from the Park, 
after the first toast, will be followed by a similar dis- 
charge from the Garrison of Stoney Point. 

" The signal for the commencement of the feu dejoie 
will be given by the cannon from Fort Sherburne, and, 
in each volley, as soon as the Regiment on the left of 
the Line has finished to fire, one cannon from the South 
Redoubt will be given, as a signal for the Park to renew 
the firing, which will be repeated three times. 

"After the fire-works are played off, the ceremony 
will be concluded by a discharge of three cannon from 
Fort Sherburne. 

" The Officers will pay the most minute attention to 
the arms of the Troops, that they may be in the best 
possible order." 

* Where the Mexican Trophy Guns now rest. f Gee's Point. 



158 History of West Point. 

" Head-Quarters, Newbtteg-, 
" Thursday, May 30, 1782. 

" The celebration of the birth of the Dauphin of 
France, which was to have taken place this day, is to 
be postponed until to-morrow, the 31st inst. 

" A Plan for conducting the Rejoicing on Thursday, 
THE 31sT May, 1782.* 

" The Troops, having previously cooked their provi- 
sions, will march from their Cantonments at such an hour 
as will admit of their being at the places severally assign- 
ed them by half after two o'clock, 2^ost meridian, where 
they will remain in columns under cover, until the dis- 
charge of three pieces of cannon at West Point, which will 
be a signal for the columns to advance and display in full 
view of the Point, and stack their arms. That done, " 

*It appears, by several orders issued at "Highlands," [the Head-Quarters of 
General Heath were at the " Robinson House"] between the dates, May 28 and 
the above date, tliat large fatigue parties had been constantly at work in procur- 
ing " small timber and some other materials," from the neighborhood of West 
Point. On the 24th it was ordered that "the 30 fatigue men now with the Engineer 
at West Point, having some particular knowledge of a particular piece of business 
which the Engineer has on hand, are not to be relieved until the 31st inst." — 
On the 25th it was stated in orders, that " All the Carpenters and Joiners in the 
Army are wanted for a few days at West Point, to assist in erecting and com- 
pleting an arbor; they are to be immediately draughted and sent for that 
purpose." On the 26th it was ordered, tliat "tlie Connecticut Line, and 3d 
Massachusetts Brigade, are to cover the arbor building at West Point. Tiie 
Commanding Officers of the Brigades wiU appoint an officer from each to attend 
Major Vniefranche this evening, who wiU designate the part they are severally 
to perform, and when it is to be completed. The Superintending Officers are to 
be furnished witli such numbers of men from their respective Brigades, as they 
think necessary to finish the Bower in tlie time limited, for wliich they are 
responsible." On the 27th it was ordered, that " 2 captains, 4 subalterns, 6 
sergeants, and 150 rank and file, be for fatigue to-morrow; a Captain, Subaltern, 
and 50 men of which are to parade at reveille beating, and work until 8 o'clock 
in the mornLag, at whicli time the remainder are to turn out, and work untU 6 
o'clock in the evening ; then the others are to work again until dark. This is to 
be done until the Bower is completed." "They are to be under the direction, of 
Major VUlefranche." 



History of West Point. 159 

all the Officers (except one Field Officer to each Bri- 
gade, and one Battalion Officer to each Regiment on the 
east side of the river, who are to remain Avith their 
Corps) are requested to repair to West Point, where 
the General expects the pleasure of their company at 
dinner. 

" Dinner will be on the table at four o'clock, at which 
time a j)roportion of liquor will be distributed to each 
Regiment and Corps by their respective Quarter-Mas- 
ters. 

" After dinner thirteen Toasts will be drank, and each 
Toast announced by a discharge of Artillery. 

" As soon as the thirteenth is drank, the Officers will 
rise from the table, and join their respective Regiments. 

'^ At half after seven, the feu de Joie will commence 
with the discharge of thirteen pieces of cannon from the 
Park, succeeded by a fire of musketry from the Infantry, 
in the following order, viz. : — 

2d Massachusetts Brigade. 
1st ditto ditto 

1st Connecticut ditto 

2d ditto ditto 

10th Massachusetts Regiment. 
3d ditto Brigade. 

" The firing being three times repeated in the same 
order, the Officers commanding Corps will, with an 
audible voice, pray to God to bless the Dauphin of 
France, and grant him long life and happiness, and the 
Troops give three cheers. 

" The fireworks will then be dis2:)layed from Fort 
Webb, and the ceremony concluded by a discharge of 
three pieces of cannon from the Park, which will also serve 



160 History of West Point. 

as a signal for the Troops to return to their canton- 
ment."* 

The expectations which these preparations gave rise 
to were amply realized, and are thus fully described: 

" The 31st of May being the day appointed for the cele- 
bration, between 12 and 1 o'clock p. m., His Excellency 
General Washington and Lady, and Suite, His Excel- 
lency Governor Clinton, with his Lady, Major-General 
Knox and Brigadier-General Hand, with their Ladies, 
Mr. Benson, the Attorney-General, Mrs. Livingston [of 
the lower Manor], Mrs. Montgomery [widow of the Hero 
who fell at Quebec], and a great number of ladies and 
gentlemen from the States of New York and New Jer- 
sey, arrived in their barges at West Point, and were 
conducted through the grand colonnade which had been 
erected for the entertainment, situated on the gently 
rising ground in the rear of Fort Clinton, commanding 
the level of the Plain with a variegated view of all the 
barracks, encampments, and fortifications of the garrison. 

" The situation was romantic, and the occasion novel 
and interesting. Major Villefranche,"j* an ingenious 



* Revolutionary Orders. — Colonel Whiting. U. S. A. 

f Major ViUefranche was one of the many French Officers who came to America 
early in the autumn of 1777, after the news of Burgoyne's overthrow reached 
Europe, to seek employment in the army. On the 4tii of October of that year, 
Congress " Ordered," That there be paid to Mons. ViUefranche, who has ten- 
dered his services to the United States, $100, for which he was to be accountable.* 
In the following winter, Mons. ViUefranche laid a memorial before Congress, set- 
ting forth that though he had received a " gratification" and money, to return to 
Prance, he would prefer to remain, if he could be employed as an Engineer, under 
General Du Portail. Whereupon, on January 1st, 1778, Congress " Resolved, That 
the Chevalier de ViUefranche be appointed a Major of Engineers under Brigadier 
Du Portail."-|- [The Corps of Engineers was organized as a distinct branch of the 
army, March 11, 1779.]:]: He buUt the stone magazine on the west end of Con- 

* Journals of Congress, II., 274 t Journals of Congress, II., 390. 

X Journals of Congress, III., 224. 



•»=^5-l*\' 




■5 >> 
- pa 






s; t«j 



ii 






^ 3 



History of West Point. 161 

French Engineer, had been employed with one thousand 
men about ten days, in constructing the curious edifice. 
It was composed of the simple materials which the com- 
mon trees in the vicinity afforded, being about two hun- 
dred and twenty feet in length, and eighty feet wide, 
supported by a grand colonnade of one hundred and 
eighteen pillars, made of the trunks of trees. The 
covering of the roof consisted of boughs, or branches of 
trees curiously interwoven, and the same materials 
formed the walls, leaving the ends entirely open. On 
the inside, every pillar was encircled with muskets and 
bayonets, bound round in a fanciful and handsome man- 
ner, and the whole interior was decorated with ever- 
greens, festoons of flowers, garlands, emblematical de- 
vices. Fleur-de-lis, and other ornaments significant of 
the existing alliance. 

" This superb structure in symmetry of proportion, 
neatness of workmanship and elegance of arrangement, 
has seldom perhaps been surpassed on any temporary 

stitution Island in 1782. [Heath, 351.] On the 2d of May, 178.3, Congress ''Re- 
solved, Tliat Major Villefranche be a Lieutenant-Colonel by Brevet in the Corps 
of Engineers."* It is probable that he returned to France on the close of the 
war. Tlie numerous drawings he left, show him to have been an officer of great 
value as an Engineer and Draughtsman. 

Major Peter Gliafles U Enfant, Engineer, was born in France, in 1755. He was 
appointed a lieutenant in the French provincial forces, which position he vacated, 
and tendered his services to the United States in the autumn of 1777, as an Engi- 
neer. He was appointed Captain of Engineers on 18th February, 1778, and was 
at the siege of Savannah, where he was wounded and left on the field of battle. 
He afterwards served in the army under the immediate command of Washington, 
and was promoted Major of Engineers, May 2, 1783. He was employed as the 
Engineer at Fort Mifflin in 1794, and appointed Professor of Engineering at the 
United States Mihtary Academy in July, 1812 (dechned). He died in Prince 
George's County, Md , June, 1825. He was an accomplished draughtsman and 
made himself greatly respected. It is worthy of remarlc, that both he and Major 
YUlefranciie expended their fortunes in the service of the United States, f 

* Journals of Congress, IV., 219. 

+ Army Diet, Journals Congress, III., 243 ; IV., 219. French Archives, Hon. Eichard Eush. 



162 History of West Point. 

occasion ; it affected the spectators with admiration and 
pleasure, and reflects much credit on the taste and 
ability of Major Villefranche. Several appropriate mot- 
toes decorated the grand edifice, pronouncing benedic- 
tions on the Dauphin and happiness to the two allied 
nations. The whole army was paraded on the conti- 
guous hills on both sides of the river, forming a circle 
of several miles in open view of the public edifice, and 
in the following order. The 2d Brigade of Massachu- 
setts on the ridge of the hills beneath Fort Putnam, 
with its right extending towards the river ; the 1st Bri- 
gade continuing the line on the left, stretched its flank 
to the Red House in the valley, and enveloped the point. 
On the eastern shore, the 1st and 2d Connecticut Bri- 
gades were drawn up on the high grounds in the rear of 
Constitution Island ; the 10th Massachusetts regiment, 
on the cleared fields above Nelson's Ferry ; and the 3d 
Massachusetts Brigade on the heights, between the 
North and Middle Redoubts. 

" At the signal designated, by firing three cannon, the 
regimental officers all left their commands, and repaired 
to the building to partake of the entertainment which 
had been prepared by order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
At five o'clock, dinner being on the table, his Excellency 
General Washington, and his Lady and suite, with the 
invited guests, moved from Major-General McDougall's 
quarters through the line formed by Colonel Crane's 
regiment of Artillery, to the Arbor which was guarded 
by the Commander-in-Chief's Guard, where more than 
five hundred gentlemen and ladies partook of a magnifi- 
cent festival. A martial band charmed the senses with 
music ; and while the appetite feasted, all gazed with 



History of West Point. 163 

admiration on the illustrious guests, and the novel spec- 
tacle presented to the view. The cloth being removed, 
thirteen appropriate toasts were drank, each one being 
announced by the discharge of thirteen cannon and ac- 
companied by music. The guests retired from the table 
at seven o'clock, and the regimental officers repaired to 
their respective commands. 

" The Arbor, in the evening, was illuminated by a vast 
number of lights, which, being arranged in regular and 
tasteful order, exhibited a scene vying in brilliancy with 
the starry firmament. The Officers having rejoined their 
regiments, thirteen cannon were again fired as a pre- 
lude to a general feu dej'oie, which immediately succeeded 
throughout the whole line of the army on the surround- 
ing hills, and being three times repeated, the mountains 
resounded and echoed like tremendous peals of thunder, 
and the flashing from thousands of fire-arms in the 
darkness of evening, could be compared only to the 
most vivid flashes of lightning from the clouds. The 
feu dejoie was immediately followed by three shouts of 
acclamation and benediction for the Dauphin, by the 
united voices of the whole army on all sides. The 
celebration was concluded by the exhibition of fire- 
works, consisting of rockets, wheels, fountains, trees, 
bee-hives, balloons, stars and fleur-de-lis, admirably con- 
structed and played off at twenty minutes past 11 o'clock. 
" His Excellency General Washington was unusually 
cheerful. He attended the ball in the evening, and 
with a dignified and graceful air, having Mrs. Knox for 
his partner, carried down a dance of twenty couple in 
the Arbor on the green grass."* 

* Thacher's Military Journal ; Now Jersey Gazette, June 12th, 1T82. 



164 History of West Point. 

On the 29th of August, General Knox was ordered 
to relieve General Heath, and instructed from Head- 
Quarters at Newburg to visit the redoubts frequently, 
to see that the garrisons were kept on the alert, and to 
make them invariably sleep within the works. The care 
of the public buildings and the repair and alteration of 
the works were especially enjoined, and a timely order 
prohibited private buildings from being erected without 
his knowledge and consent. 

General Knox held the command until the latter part 
of January, 1785, and receiving the appointment of 
Secretary of War in March of that year, he was suc- 
ceeded by Major George Fleming,* who commanded 
the arsenal and ranked as an Ordnance and Military 
Storekeeper. 

Under Major Fleming's administration, the old arms 
and camp equipage of the army were preserved and 
stored, or condemned and sold, as opportunities pre- 
sented. Immense quantities of powder were stored in 
the magazines at Fort Putnam and on Constitution Island. 
The work of dismantling the redoubts of their artillery 
occurred in 1787, at which time a large number of guns 
were sold for old iron. The time of the removal of the 
Boom and Chain has not been ascertained, but on the 
29th of September, 1783, a memorial from Mark Bird 
was read in Congress, requesting that the great Chain 
used for the defence of Hudson's Biver be delivered to 
him at a reasonable price. Whereupon Congress Re- 
solved, " That at this time it is improjier to dispose of the 

* Major Fleming had been a captain of artillery during the war. He remained 
at West Point until after the establishment of the Military Academy, in charge of 
the Arsenal of Repairs and Storage. The " Long Barrack " near the present Hotel 
was used for this purpose. — [Fleming, MSS.] 



History of West Point. 165 

chain made for the defence of Hudson's River."* Six 
years afterwards, Major Fleming informed the Secretary 
of War that he had agreed with a party to raise some, 
cannon and old iron in the river; of which one-half of 
the cannon and one-fourth of the wrought iron was to 
revert to the United States. The wrought iron, he 
stated, "lies in fourteen fathoms of water, besides being 
fastened to some very large logs which must be hoisted 
to the surface to cut away the iron."f 

In April, 1787, efforts were made to raise the pig-iron 
used as ballast on the frigates which were burned after 
the fall of Forts Clinton and Montgomery. " The fri- 
gates," said Major Fleming, in his report to the Secre- 
tary of War, "were set on fire opposite Constitution 
Island, and it being ebb tide, they drifted down the 
river nearly as far as Fort Montgomery, where one 
burnt to the water's edge and sunk. The other one I 
have found. She lies fore and aft the channel on the 
east side of the river, better than three miles from this 
Point. The timbers of her starboard side are to be seen 
at low water, and the other side is about ten feet under 
water at the same time, owing to her listing off as the 
edge of the channel runs. 

" The iron was cast at the ' Forest of Dean', and from 
the quantity of stone ballast now resting upon it, it can- 
not be raised short of a round sum." J 

The buildings, magazines, barracks, &c., on Constitu- 
tion Island, were sold early in 1788, to Gideon Salmon. 
" Mr. Bunn, who occupied the barrack at the time, was 
the owner of the Island, and requested that one-fifth of 

* Jour. Congress, IV., 280. f Fleming, MSS. U. S. M. A. 

t Fleming, MSS. U. S. M. A. 
12 



166 History of West Point. 

the building be given him, for the use of the land on 
which the Block-house, Forts, and magazines stood."* 

Near Swimstown, now called Buttermilk Falls, upon 
the premises now owned by Mr. Alfred Pell, there lived 
and died the soldier's wife, " Molly ***** better 
known as Captain Molly. She w^as in Fort Clinton at 
the time of its capture by the British, in October, 1777. 
When the enemy scaled the parapet, her husband, who 
was an artilleryman, dropped his port-fire and fled, but 
Molly caught it up, and discharged the last gun fired by 
the Americans. Nine months afterwards, at the memo- 
rable battle of Monmouth, although but twenty-two 
years of age, she illustrated her devotion to her husband, 
who was serving a gun, by bringing him water during 
the action from a neighboring spring. A shot from the 
enemy killed him at his post, and the officer in command,, 
having no one competent to fill his place, ordered the piece 
to be withdrawn. Molly saw her husband fall as she came 
from the spring, and also heard the order. She dropped 
her bucket, seized the rammer, and vowed she would fill 
his place at the gun, and avenge his death. She per- 
formed the duty wdth a skill and courage which attracted 
the attention of all who saw her. 

On the following morning, covered with dirt and blood, 
General Greene presented her to Washington, who, 
admiring her bravery, conferred upon her the appoint- 
ment of a Sergeant. By his recommendation her name 
was placed upon the half-pay list for life. She is de- 
scribed as a stout, red-haired, freckled-faced young Irish 
woman, with a handsome, piercing eye.f She was a great 

* Fleming, MSS. U. S. M. A. 

f Field-Book of the Revolution. — Lossing, II., 155. 



History of West Point. 167 

favorite in the army, usually appearing with an artillery- 
man's coat over her dress, and wearing a cocked hat. 

After taking up her residence near West Point, she 
received her subsistence through the Commissary at the 
Post, and supplies of various kinds were sent to the family 
employed to take care of her, direct from the Secretary 
of War. 

The extracts below* are from Major Fleming's MSS., 
and the letters are addressed to " Major-General Henry 
Knox, Secretary of War." 

Molly, it is believed, died on the spot where she lived 
for so many years, in 1789, as at that date her name 
ceases to appear on the Commissary's books. 

By the act of May 9th, 1794, Congress authorized the 
raising of a Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, to con- 
sist of four battalions, which Corps was stationed at 



* "West Point, Ith of October, 1786. 

* * * * "Sir: — I have sent another account of Mrs. 
Swim's for taking care of Captain Molly up to the 27th of Sept., and have 
removed lier to another place, as I thought she was not so well treated as she 
ought to be." ****** 

" West Point, i,th of July, 17ST. 
***** "Sir: — I have drawn three orders on 
you, for the maintainance of Captain MoUy, in favor of Mr. Deuniston: one is 
from January 19th to April 12th, the other from April 13th to July 5th, 1786, 
inclusive, which accounts were lodged in the War Office last fall, and are Mrs. 
Swim's. The other is from September 28th to July 5th, 1786, inclusive, and wiU 
be delivered by Mr. Denniston for Mrs. Randall. 

" As MoUy IS such a disagreeable object to take care of, and I promised to pay 
them every quarter, I have been obliged to borrow the money to pay the people ; 
if it can possibly be replaced, I should be very glad." * * * 

"West Point, April 21< 178T. 

* * * * " Sir : — I am informed by the woman that 
takes care of Captain Molly, that she is much in want of Shifts. If you thiuk 
proper to order three or four, I should be glad." * * * * 

"West Point, June Vlth, 1787. 

* * * * " Sir: — If the Shifts which you informed me 
should be made for Captain Molly are done, I should be glad to have them sent, 
as she complains much for want of them.'' * * * * 



168 History of West Point. 

West Point, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Stephen Rochefontaine/^- with Maj. Louis de Tousard, 
and Major J. J. U. Ptivardi as the field officers. In the 
summer of this year, the work of repairing Fort Putnam 
was commenced, under Colonel Vincent, a French Engi- 
neer, assisted by Major Niven. The following report, 
rendered by Colonel Vincent in August, 1794, repre- 
sents the condition and progress of the works : — 

" fortifications at west point. 

" State op the Works Ordered at West Point, N. Y.,August 31st, 1794. 
By Colonel Vincent. 

'' Fort Putnam. — The repairing of the enclosure of the 
fort is now going on ; one ]3art has been altered, accord- 
ing to the strong reasons reported in one memorial, 
which has not yet been seen by the minister ; but, as 
that part of the enclosure to be changed was to be new 
built, it will be a very trifling expense to make the 
useful proposed alteration. 

" Fort Clinton. — It will not be possible for this year to 
begin any works ; and it will be sufficient to collect every 
necessary material, during this season, in order to be 
ready to begin very early in the beginning of the spring. 
It should be also very useful to begin this year the 
digging of the foundations, in employing the diggers at 
the task by cubic fathoms. We think that this way is 
the only one to be used in the works ordered by the 
General Government, inasmuch as the laborer's day's 
work is very high. 

" Ohservations. — The works at West Point are directed 
by the Major Niven, who may hardly be sufficient for 

* Colonel Rocliefontaine had been an officer of the army of France, and served 
in the Revolutionary war in America. 



History of West Point. 169 

so great a business. It will be necessary to employ one 
engineer more, principally for the important masonry to 
be erected there, which will require great knowledge in 
that line. The manner of carrying on all the necessary 
diggings by task, requires also one man accustomed to 
such works, and daily upon the spot. The able com- 
mander and clever man. Captain Fleming, ought also 
obtain the first superintendency upon these important 
works."* 

" report of major daxiel niyen to the secretary of war. 

Relative to the Fortifications at West Point, December 12, 1794. 

*' Sir : — I conceive it my duty to make the follow^ing 
report : That, from the 20th of May to the 18th day of 
July last, I was employed in superintending lime-burn- 
ing, collecting stone to Fort Clinton, making and repair- 
ing roads, making and repairing tools, and repairing such 
parts of the rear wall of Fort Putnam as I judged suffi- 
cient. On the said 18th day of July, Colonel Vincent, 
Captain Fleming, and myself, concluded that all the old 
wall of Fort Putnam, facing Fort Clinton, be taken doAvn 
and rebuilt ; enclosing the point, for the advantage of 
enlarging the battery facing the ridge, where Forts Webb 
and Wyllis stood. Accordingly, I proceeded, and em- 
ployed as many miners, masons, laborers, and teams, as 
I could find, that would work to advantage, and have 
taken away the old wall and built a new one, w^ith the 
foundation on the rock, agreeably to your instructions, 
on durable principles of masonry. The said new wall is 
raised from twenty to twenty-five feet high, except the 
gate-way, for want of free-stone to face the arch. Nine 

* S. p. Mil Affairs, L, 104. 



170 



History of West Point. 



bomb-proof arches are closed over the barracks and 
magazines, I had hopes to finish four more, but the 
days are so short and cold, and the frost would damage 
the masonry so much, if the mortar could be worked, 
that I judged it best to discharge the workmen on the 
22d day of November, except a very few under the 
direction of Captain Fleming. It was impossible to 
carry on the works without great damage to the public 
service. 




KDIN8 OF FORT PUTNAM — INTERIOR VIEW. 



^' Several arrangements ought to be made this winter, 
that the works may be carried on to advantage the 
ensuing season ; that the laborers be hired by the month, 
and forfeit something if they leave the works without 
timely notice ; that a forage store be established ; that 
the brick be moulded in the shape of a key-stone, to 
turn the arches. This will make strong work, and save 

great labor.* 

(Signed) " D. Niven." 

* S. p. Mil. Afifairs, I., 104. 



History of West Point. 171 

In 1796, Liancourt visited West Point, and remarks 
that thirty-five thousand dollars had been uselessly 
expended in repairing Fort Putnam, because forty-five 
thousand more, necessary to complete the work, were 
refused by Congress. The same traveller found the four 
battalions of artillerists and engineers, composed of about 
two hundred and fifty men each, mostly made up of 
foreigners. But ten officers were present, representing 
" all nations ;" they were, however, better provided than 
the officers in the French service.* 

A Military -School, through the instrumentality of 
President Washington, was established in 1794, for the 
instruction of this corps, and books and apparatus were 
supplied. The building used for this purpose, called the 
*' Old Provost," was situated on the northwest side of 
the "Ice-House Hollow;" it was two stories high, and 
built of stone. It was destroyed by fire, with its books 
and contents, in 1796, and the School was suspended 
until ISOl.f 

The importance of West Point for defensive purposes 
in a military point of view belongs to the past; but the 
soil hallowed by the footsteps of Washington, Greene, 
Knox, and almost every General officer of the Revolution, 
secluded in its mountain position, as it were purposely 
for retirement and study, was henceforth to be conse- 
crated by the Nation to the education of her chosen 
youth, for the advancement and welfare of the Re- 
public. 

* Travels in the United States. — Liancourt. 
f MSS. Gen, J. G, Swift. 



PART II. 



THE OEIGIN AIsTD PEOGEESS 



UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. 



History of West Point. 175 



CHAPTER X. 

Early Necessity for a Military Academy Recognized at the 
Commencement of the Revolution. — Appointment of a Com- 
mittee TO Visit the Army by Congress, and their Report in 
Favor of such an Institution. — Resolution of Congress upon 
the Subject. — Necessity for a Military Academy on the 
Establishment of Peace. — Arguments of Generals Hunting- 
don AND Pickering. — Value of their Experience and Opin- 
ions. — Official Report of General Knox on Military Educa- 
tion. — Brief Career of Military Men. — Citizen Graduates 
AND their Services. — Opinions of "Washington and Jefferson 
on the Establishment of a Military Academy. — Organization 
of the Corps of Artillery and Engineers, and Appointment 
of Cadets thereto, in 1794. — Increase of the Corps and of the 
Number of Cadets in 1798. — Provision for their Education, 
— Inadequate Means for this Purpose. — Views of President 
Adams and Mr. McHenry, the Secretary of "War. — Organiza- 
tion OF THE Military Academy by Congress, to be Stationed 
AT "West Point. — Message of President Jefferson Relative 
to the Subject. — Report of Colonel "Williams, the First 
Superintendent of the Academy. 

The idea of establishing a National Military Academy 
dates back to an early period in our history; indeed, at 
the very outset of the struggle for independence, it 
forced its claims upon the attention of those invested 
with the control and direction of public authority. 

On the 20th of September, 1776, the Continental 
Congress appointed a Committee, consisting of Messrs. 
Sherman, Gerry, and Lewis, in accordance with a 
resolution of the same date, " to repair to Head-Quarters 



176 History of West Point. 

near New York, to inquire into the state of the army, 
and the best means of su23plying its wants."* 

On the od of October this Committee submitted a 
report, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. 
The following extracts are taken from the report : 

" The Committee appointed to inquire into the State 
of the Army at New York, left on the 21st, and arrived 
at Camp on the 24th of September; and after three 
days' conference with the General officers, and an inter- 
view with many of the Staff, they found the following 
to be a statement of the facts * * * * * 
* * * "That some of the troops in Camp were 
badly officered, and not subject to the command which 
good troops ought ever to be. The Articles of War 
and General Orders were frequently transgressed, and 
the Commander-in-chief had the mortification to see, 
that some of his officers, instead of suppressing disor- 
derly behavior, encouraged the soldiers by their examples 
to plunder and commit other offences, or endeavored to 
screen them from just punishment by partial trials." 

These and other practices and evils, so deeply impressed 
the Committee with the importance of having officers of 
known honor, ability, and education, to officer the regi- 
ments, that they earnestly called on the States to re- 
sort to more effective measures for the purpose ; and 
among many resolutions then adopted, the following is 
to be found: 

^'^ Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to pre- 
pare a Continental Laboratory, and a Military Academy, 
and provide the same with proper Officers." -^t- -s^- * 

This Committee, while at the camp, among others, 

* Am. Arcliives, V., II., 1373. 



HiSTOiiY OF West Point. 177 

conferred with Colonel Henry Knox, of the Artillery, 
and on the 27th of September, 1776, this afterwards 
greatly distinguished officer furnished the Committee 
with "Hints for the Improvement of the Artillery of the 
United States," from which the following extract is 
taken, under the belief that it is the earliest record of a 
plan for a United States Military Academy bearing any 
resemblance in its design to the one now in existence : 
* * * * "And as officers can never act 

with confidence until they are masters of their profes- 
sion, an Academy established on a hberal plan would 
be of the utmost service to the Continent, where the 
whole theory and practice of fortification and gunnery 
should be taught ; to be nearly on the same plan as that 
at Woolwich, making allowance for the difference of 
circumstances ; a place to which our enemies are indebted 
for the superiority of their artillery to all who have 
opposed them."* 

Three days after these "Hints" were furnished, and 
two days before the Committee submitted their report, 
the following entry is to be found on the Journal : 

" Continental Congress, 
Oct. 1, 1776. 

'^Re-solved., That a Committee of five be appointed to 
prepare and bring in a plan of a Military Academy at 
the Army. 

" The members chosen, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Lynch, Mr. 
Wythe, Mr. Williams, and Mr. J. Adams."t 

It does not appear that this Committee ever reported, 
or that any further active measures were ever devised 
to carry out the intention so clearly disclosed, and so 
distinctly recognized as necessary to the welfare of the 

* Am. Archives, V., II., 1387, \ Am. Archives, V., II., 1383. 



1T8 History of West' Point. 

army, until the termination of the Revolutionary War. 
The Proclamation for a cessation of hostilities was 
adoioted in Congress on the 11th day of April, 1783; on 
the same day Colonel Alexander Hamilton, the chair- 
man of the Committee for Peace Arrangements, commu- 
nicated to the General-in-chief a wish to be furnished 
with his opinions, as to what ought to constitute a proper 
peace establishment. 

This request was laid before the officers of the army, 
then encamped at Newburg and New Windsor, who 
were requested to report to the Commander, in writing, 
their views; and, guided by the experience of eight 
years in active field service, the necessity for a Mihtary 
Academy was not overlooked in the voluminous papers 
submitted. 

Brigadier-General Huntingdon declared that "West 
Point has been held as the key to the United States. 
The British viewed it in the same point of light, and 
will, it is presumed, keep their eye upon it as long as 
they regret the loss of the country, or have a passion 
for power and conquest. 

" West Point is exposed to a coiip-de-main, and ought 
therefore to be always in a complete condition of defence. 
With a little more expense than that of maintaining a 
garrison of five hundred or six hundred men, it may be 
made a safe deposit, where every military article may 
be kept in good order and repair ; and, with a small 
additional expense, an academy might be here instituted 
for instruction in all the branches of the military art."* 

Colonel Timothy Pickering, the Quartermaster-General 
of the army, after combating the idea of instituting aca- 

* Correspondence of the Revolution.— Sparks, IV., 27. 



History of West Point. 179 

demies for military purposes at the different arsenals in 
the United States, a scheme that had found favor with 
some of the officers, proceeds to say : '' If any thing like 
a military academy in America be practicable at this 
time, it must be grounded on the permanent military 
establishment for our frontier posts and arsenals, and 
the wants of the States, separately, of officers to com- 
mand the defences on their seacoasts. 

" On this principle it might be expedient to establish a 
military school or academy at West Point. And that a 
competent number of young gentlemen might be induced 
to become students, it might be made a rule, that vacan- 
cies in the standing regiment should be supplied from 
thence ; those few instances excepted where it would be 
just to promote a very meritorious sergeant. 

" For this end the number, which shall be judged requi- 
site to supply vacancies in the standing regiment, might 
be fixed, and that of the students, who are admitted 
with an expectation of filling them, limited accordingly. 

" They might be allowed subsistence at the public 
expense If any other youth desired to pursue the 
same studies at the Military Academy, they might be 
admitted, only subsisting themselves. 

" Those students should be instructed in what is usually 
called military discipline, tactics, and the theory and 
practice of fortification and gunnery. 

" The Commandant and one or two other officers of the 
standing regiment, and the Engineers, making West 
Point their general residence, would be the masters of 
the Academy; and the Inspector-General superintend 
the whole."* 

* Writings of "Washington. — Sparks YIII., 417. 



180 History of "West Point. 

These suggestions, although not productive of imme- 
diate results, did not fail to arrest the attention of states- 
men and legislators on the general subject of military 
I education at a later day. 
■ " They' perceived that although the ordinary, subordi- 
nate, and mechanical duties of a soldier and officer might 
/'be performed without especial training, the higher class 
/ of duties, and the capacity for command, could be under- 
stood and exercised only by those whose intellectual 
faculties had been carefully cultivated. They felt that 
the common interpretation of the axiom that, ' know- 
ledge is power,' significant and important as it is, was 
not its^ noblest and worthiest interpretation. "*<1^ 
"T^ " Power over matter, and over the minds of others, is 
/ not the choicest gift of knowledge, enviable and glorious 
/ though it be ; it is, in truth, a dangerous gift. But 
I power over the mind of its possessor, purifying and ele- 
vating it, subduing all that is low or selfish to the 
; authority of duty and virtue, this is the distinguishing, 
the kingly gift of knowledge. They felt, therefore, that 
the moral, as w^ell as the intellectual nature should be 
sedulously nurtured, -.•^hey were convinced, also, that 
in a ffee''"state7 it was most impolitic and unsafe for the 
army to be separated, in habits, interests, and feelings, 
from the other orders of society ; and they recognized 
in knowledge, which is, in a great measure, the result of 
mutual interchange of thoughts, the true principle of 
amalc-amation. 

'' Many of them had been observers or partakers of 
the moral dangers of a military life ; they were aware of 
the impoverished means of the members of the army, 
and of the probable inability of the country, for a long 



History of West Point. 181 

period, to provide more for them than a mere support ; 
and they were, consequently, solicitous to impart to 
them knowledge, ' in itself an economical possession,' 
the pursuit of which is inconsistent with, and destroys 
the desire for indulgence in, idle or vicious amusements. 
To these general considerations were added others, 
growing out of our peculiar form of government, and the 
sentiments and prepossession of the people. 

" As an almost necessary consequence of the national 
experience during the war of the Revolution, the sub- 
ject of military education first presented itself, in con- 
nection with the organization and improvement of the 
militia. While they bore grateful testimony to the ser- 
vices and valor of those of their countrymen who upheld 
the standard of the United Colonies in the hours of dark- 
est gloom, they could not be insensible that the struggle 
for independence would have been sooner triumphantly 
closed, if those gallant men had been disciplined, or had 
been led on by officers accomplished in the various 
branches of the art of war. They accorded a cordial 
tribute to the few brave spirits who devoted all the 
skill and science they had acquired in the ' seven years' 
war,' which commenced in 1754, to the formation of 
military habits in the new levies, which were raised in 
rapid succession, during the whole progress of the con- 
test. But they had before them the admissions of these 
officers, and of their beloved commander, that the diffi- 
culties of their perilous undertaking Avould have been 
greatly diminished, if a knowledge of the theory and 
science of war had been more generally diffused through 
the army. 

"A striking illustration of the justness of these views 

13 



182 History of West Point. 

is contained in an official report, made by General Knox, 
then Secretary of War, to the President, January 21st, 
1790. In this report the position is laid down, that 
'all discussions on the subject of a powerful militia, will 
result in one or other of the following principles.'* 

''1. Either efficient institutions must be established 
for the military education of youth, and the knowledge 
acquired therein be diffused throughout the country by 
the means of rotation ; or, 

''2. The militia must be formed of substitutes, after 
the manner of the militia of Great Britain. 

" ' If the United States possess the vigor of mind,' 
says the Secretary, 'to establish the first institution, it 
may reasonably be expected to produce the most une? 
quivocal advantages ; a glorious national spirit will be 
introduced, with its extensive train of political conse- 
quences.' 

" The only provision immediately applicable [in this 
able state paper] to the present inquiry is that, which 
required the young men, from the age of 18 to 20 
years, to be disciplined for thirty days successively in 
camps of instruction, where, in addition to their military 
tuition, they were to receive lectures from the chaplains, 
explanatory of the value of free governments, and of their 
dependence upon the knowledge and virtue of the youth 
of the country. A proposition similar to this, with the 
exception that the term of instruction was limited to six 
days instead of thirty, was submitted to the House of 
Representatives in 1821. And it may induce those 
who are inclined to adopt this course, to be reminded 
how soon it was abandoned by its first projectors. The 

* Penn. Daily Adv. Feb. 3d, 1190. 



History of West Point. 183 

obvious objections arising from the expenditure of time 
and money, from the loss occasioned by the periodical 
abstraction of labor, and from the but too probable for- 
mation of licentious or indolent habits, seem to have 
been justly regarded as decisive." 

But the principle underlying all these propositions 
continued to germinate, and stimulated those intrusted 
with the direction of national affairs, to labor for the 
establishment of an institution at which young men 
might receive a military education, who, when separated 
from it, and scattered throughout the length and breadth 
of the land, might serve as instructors of the untrained 
militia in times of peace, and, upon the outbreak of war, 
furnish a powerful aid in organizing and concentrating 
the enormous military resources of the country. 

Herein lies the chief, and by far the most valuable 
and comprehensive motive, which gave origin to the 
Military Academy. Remote from foreign jealousies 
and hostile powers, save those hidden in our own 
forests, it was foreseen that the presence of large stand- 
ing armies was inimical to republican development, and 
that an army small as that of the United States has 
always been, and ought ever to be, could only supply 
an insignificant quota upon emergencies of great magni- 
tude. 

Absorbed in the temptations and allurements to the 
acquisition of wealth which the numerous fields of 
American enterprise and labor aiford, it is vain, in time 
of peace, to expect civilians to qualify themselves for 
the performance of military duties, with little or no 
prospect of pecuniary remuneration or military renown ; 
and were there even any such inclined, there are no 



184 History of West Point. 

institutions where the necessary qualifications could be 
secured. 

In the few conflicts, happily, in which the nation has 
been engaged, from the first period of its existence to 
the present, scarcely more than three or four who were 
not resigned graduates of the Military Academy, came 
into service, possessed of any marked aptitude or 
acquaintance with the art of war. Even in the un- 
exampled successful war with Mexico, all who were 
appointed to high commands from civil life, without an 
exception, sought and invited those, who by their edu- 
cation and professional skill were fitted to become their 
aides, and staff officers, and military advisers. 

In all our wars, but very few indeed of those who 
have been actively engaged, and who have thereby 
qualified themselves for after service, remain in the 
profession of arms. From the wear and fatigue of camp 
life, from the hope of political advancement, or from 
broken health, they disappear after the lapse of a few 
years. It is thus that the war of 1812 exhibits but few 
names conspicuous during the Revolution; that the 
names familiar in 1812 are seldom found in the history 
of our Indian conflicts; and that the heroes of the war 
in Mexico, save the graduates of the Military Academy, 
constitute but a small proportion of those now actually 
engaged in the present melancholy internal strife. 
^ The roll of citizen graduates of the Military Acade- 
my, who responded at the nation's call in 1816, affords 
an impressive illustration of the wisdom of those who 
labored for the establishment of an institution, whose 
principal design was to diffuse and disseminate among 
tlie people a class of military educated citizens, whose 



History of West Point. ISo 

services might be relied on, when encroachments upon 
or non-fulfilment of treaty stipulations rendered resist- 
ance necessary by an appeal to arms. To the names 
of Clay, McKee, Davis, and upwards of a hundred others 
who entered the volunteer service, may be added by the 
score those who proffered services to such an extent, 
that the Government declined to receive them. 

But brighter yet, in the present civil war, does the 
usefulness of the Military Academy gleam forth, in im- 
pelling from the secluded and lucrative pursuits of civil 
life nearly every living graduate, including those long 
disconnected with the soldier's profession, to struggle, 
with Grant, Sherman, McCMlan, Biirnside, Hooker, Rose- 
crans, and the lamented Stevens, Sill, and Mitckel, for the 
maintenance of the unity of the nation. 

In every State, and upon every tented field, the 
citizen graduates of the Military Academy are found, 
with their thousand former associates who failed to 
meet the rigid requirements of the institution, repaying 
their indebtedness for an education, and offering them- 
selves as willing victims at the shrine of duty. 

" In 1793, the establishment of a military academy is 
known to have been a favorite object of the Executive. 
In the annual message, dated the 3d of December of 
that year. General Washington suggests the inquiry,* 
' whether a material feature in the improvement ' of 
the system of military defence ' ought not to be, to 
afford an opportunity for the study of those branches 
of the art which can scarcely ever be attained by prac- 
tice alone.' 

* Journal House Reps., 3d and 4th Cong., T. 



186 History of West Point. 

" Mr. Jefferson has informed us,* that when the pre- 
paration of this message w^s discussed in the Cabinet, 
the President mentioned a military academy as one of 
the to]3ics which should be introduced, and that he 
himself raised the objection, that there was no clause 
in the Constitution which warranted such an establish- 
ment : that the above sentence was nevertheless incor- 
porated in the message, and was again the subject of 
special deliberation. The reply of Washington was, 
that he would not recommend any thing prohibited by 
the Constitution, ' but if it was doubtful, he was so 
impressed with the necessity of the measure that he 
would refer it to Congress, and let them decide for 
themselves whether the Constitution authorized it or 
not.' 

'^ An authentic exposition of the views of Congress 
is contained in the Act of the 7th of May, 1794, which 
provided for a corps of Artillerists and Engineers, to 
consist of four battalions, to each of which eight 
cadets were to be. attached ; and made it the duty of 
the Secretary of War to procure, at the public expense, 
the necessary books, instruments, and apparatus, for tKe 
use and benefit of said corps. The result of his subse- 
quent reflection upon the opinions of Washington him- 

* "November 28, 1'793. — Met at the President's, * * * Randolph had pre- 
pared a draught of the speech. The clause recommending fortifications was left 
out, but that for a Military Academy was inserted. I opposed it, as unauthorized 
by the Constitution. Hamilton and Knox approved it without discussion. Ran- 
dolph was for it, saying that the words of the Constitution authorizing Congress 
to lay taxes, &c., for the common defence, might comprehend it. The President 
said he would not choose to recommend any thing against the Constitution, but if 
it were doubtful, he was so impressed with the necessity of the measure that he 
would report it to Congress, and let them decide for themselves whether the Con- 
stitution authorized it or not. It was therefore left in." — Jefferson's Memoirs; 
Correspondence, &c., Vol. IV., p. 499. 



History of West Point. 187 

self, whose attachment to the national charter was too 
pure and firm to be perverted by any prepossessions for 
a particular object, is manifested by his declaration in 
December, 1796,* that *^the desirableness of this insti- 
tution had constantly increased wijth every new view he 
had taken of the subject.' ' The institution of a mili- 
tary academy,' he observes in this annual communica- 
tion to Congress, ' is also recommended by cogent 
reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation 
may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock 
of military knowledge for emergencies. The first would 
impair the energy of its character, and both would 
hazard its safety, or expose it to greater evils, when war 
could not be avoided. Besides, that war might not 
often depend upon its own choice. In proportion as the 
observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation 
from the necessity of practising the rules of the military 
art, ought to be its care in preserving and transmitting, 
by proper establishments, the knowledge of that art. 
AVhatever argument may be drawn from particular ex- 
amples, superficially viewed, a thorough examination of 
the subject will evince that the art of war is extensive 
and complicated; that it demands much previous study; 
and that the possession of it in its most improved and 
perfect state is always of great moment to the security 
of a nation. This, therefore, ought to be a serious care 
of every government ; and for this purpose, an academy, 
where a regular course of instruction is given, is an ob- 
vious expedient, w^hich different nations have success- 
fully employed.' " 

* Journal House Reps., 3d and 4th Cong., 610. 



188 History of West Point. 

In 1798, Congress authorized the raising of an addi- 
tional regiment of artillerists and engineers, and in- 
creased the number of cadets to fifty-six. Provision 
was also made to secure books and apparatus for their 
instruction. In July of the same year the President 
was empowered by another act to appoint four teachers 
of the arts and sciences necessary for the instruction of 
this corjjs. 

Thus far the legislative proceedings had been in 
accordance with Executive recommendation, except that 
they did not provide for the collection of the regiment 
of artillerists and engineers at one point, and the erec- 
tion of buildings adapted to the purposes of education. 
But the principle upon which the institution as at 
present organized rests was fully sanctioned : a new 
grade [cadet] was created in the army, to which young 
men were exclusively entitled to be admitted, and 
means were appropriated for their education in the 
science of war, that they might be fitted for stations of 
command. 

It was soon apparent, however, that something more 
was required to afford a fair opportunity for imparting 
systematic instruction. The subject seems to have 
been carefully investigated in 1800, by Mr. McHenry, 
then the head of the War Department, and his report 
was communicated to Congress by President Adams, on 
the 13th of January, with a special message, in which 
it was characterized as containing ' matter in which the 
honor and safety of the country are deeply interested;'* 
and a supplemental one of the 31st of January, which 

* American State Papers, 1800, I., 299, 485. 



History of West Point. 189 

are equally illustrative of the comprehensive and dis- 
criminating talent of their author, and of the beneficial 
consequences to be anticipated from the establishment 
of a military academy. 

"No sentiment can be more just than this: that, in 
proportion as the circumstances and policy of a people 
are opposed to the maintenance of a large military force, 
it is important that as much perfection as possible be 
given to that which may at any time exist. 

"It is not however enough, that the troops it may be 
deemed proper to maintain be rendered as perfect as 
possible in form, organization, and discipline; the dignity, 
the character to be supported, and the safety of the 
country further require, that it should have military 
instructions capable of perpetuating the art of war, and 
of furnishing the means for forming a new and enlarged 
army, fit for service in the shortest time possible, and 
at the least practicable expense to the State. 

" Since, however, it seems to be agreed that we are 
not to keep on foot numerous forces, and it would be 
impossible on a sudden to extend to every essential 
point our fortifications, military science, in its various 
branches, ought to be cultivated with peculiar care, in 
proper nurseries; so that a sufficient stock may always 
exist, ready to be imparted and diffused to any extent, 
and a competent number of persons be prepared and 
qualified to act as engineers, and others as instructors 
to additional troops, which events may successively 
require to be raised. This will be to substitute the 
elements of an army to the thing itself, and will greatly 
tend to enable the Government to dispense with a large 
body of standing forces, from the facility which it will 



190 History of West Point. 

give of procuring officers and forming soldiers promptly, 
in all emergencies. 

" To avoid great evils, we must either have a respect- 
able force always ready for service, or the means of 
preparing such a force wdth certainty and expedition. 
The latter, as most agreeable to the genius of our 
Government and nation, is the object of the following 
propositions." 

The laws wdiich have been framed having proved 
inadequate, he adds, "to afford the requisite instruction 
to officers and others in the principles of war, the exer- 
cises it requires, and the sciences upon which they are 
founded, it is proposed that the academy shall include 
four schools: one to be called the Fundani^ital^ School; 
another the School of Engineers and Artillerists ; a third, 
the School of Cavalry and Infantry; and a fourth, the 
School of the Navy. The Fundamental School, it is sup- 
posed, will be the only one required for the first two years. 
It is designed to form in this engineers (including geo- 
graphical engineers), miners, and officers for the artillery, 
cavalry, infantry, and navy; consequently, in this school 
are to be taught all the sciences necessary to a perfect 
knowledge of the different branches of the military art. 

"These schools to be provided Avith proper apparatus 
and instruments for philosophical and chemical experi- 
ments, for astronomical and nautical observations, for 
surveying, and such other processes as are requisite to 
the several branches of instruction. Barracks and other 
proper buildings must be erected for the accommodation 
of the directors, professors, and students, and for the 
laboratories and other works to be carried on at the 
respective schools. These selections demonstrate, that 



History of West Point. 191 

the conception the Secretary of War had formed of the 
true character of a national institution for military edu- 
cation, was in very near accordance with the character 
of the one, which has been long sustained by the bene- 
ficent and wise legislation of Congress. The whole 
report contemplates certain military schools as an essen- 
tial mean, in conjunction with a small military establish- 
ment, to prepare for, and perpetuate to the United 
States, at a very moderate expense, a body of scientific 
officers and engineers, adequate to any emergency, quali- 
fied to discipline for the field, in the shortest time, the 
most extended armies, and to give the most decisive and 
useful effects to their operations." 

These rej^orts were referred to a committee of scA'en 
in the House of Representatives, who submitted a bill,* 
creating a Military Academy, which, in the absence of 
the chairman, was postponed to a day beyond the close 
of the session, one member only of the committee voting 
for the postponement. The Secretary of War was called 
upon by a resolution, dated 22d December, 1801,f to 
lay before the House a statement of the existing mili- 
tary establishment, Avhich was furnished accordingly on 
the 24th. Out of these proceedings grew the act of the 
16th of March, 1802, by which the military peace es- 
tablishment was determined. By this act, the Artiller- 
ists and Engineers were made to constitute two distinct 
corps. To one regiment of Artillery, forty cadets were 
attached ; and to the Corps of Engineers, ten cadets. 
The 27th section provided that the said Corps, when 
organized, shall be stationed at West Point, in the State 

* Journal House Reps., 5th and Gth Cong., 634. 
f Ibid., 7th Cong., 1st Ses., 56. 



192 History of West Point. 

of New York, and shall constitute a Military Academy. 
It also provided that the senior Engineer officer present 
shall be the Superintendent of the Academy, and author- 
ized the Secretary of War to procure, at the public ex- 
pense, the necessary books, implements, and apparatus 
for the use and benefit of the Institution. In the follow- 
ing year, another act, dated 28th of February, 1803, 
empowered the President to appoint one teacher of the 
French language, and one teacher of Drawing. 

These acts afforded some of the desired facilities for 
developing the tendencies of the principle, which had 
been sanctioned by the previous acts of 1794 and 1798. 
At the expiration of six years, however, further legisla- 
tion was considered necessary. And the attention of 
Congress was called to the subject by Mr. Jefferson in 
the following Message, which evinces not only his deep 
interest in the Institution, but that he no longer enter- 
tained the opinion of its unconstitutionality, which he 
expressed while a member of General Washington's cab- 
inet, in 1793. 

" The scale on which the Military Academy at West 
Point was originally established, is become too limited to 
furnish the number of well-instructed subjects in the 
different branches of artillery and engineering, which 
the public service calls for. The want of such characters 
is already sensibly felt, and will be increased with the 
enlargement of our j^lans of military preparation. The 
Chief Engineer having been instructed to consider the 
subject, and to propose an augmentation, which might 
render the establishment commensurate with the i:)resent 
circumstances of the country, has made his report, which 
I now transmit for the consideration of Congress. The 



History of West Point. 193 

plan, suggested by him, of removing the Institution to 
this place, is also worthy of attention. Besides the 
advantage of placing it under the immediate eye of the 
Government, it may render its benefits common to the 
Naval department, and will furnish opportunities of select- 
ing, on better information, the characters most qualified 
to fulfil the duties which the public service may call 
for."* 

The following Report on the condition of the Academy, 
by Colonel Jonathan Williams,-]- head of the Corps of 
Engineers, dated March 14th, 1808, accompanied the 
Message. / 

" This Institution was established at West Point, in 
the year 1801, under the direction of a private citizen 
[George Barron], and was nothing more than a mathe- 
matical school for the few cadets that were then in ser- 
vice. It was soon found that the government of young 
military men was incompatible with the ordinary system 
of schools, and, consequently, this Institution ran into 
disorder, and the Teacher into contempt. 

" When the peace estabUshment was made, the Corps 
of Engineers was created, and the twenty -seventh section 
enacts that the Corps 'shall be stationed at West Point, 
in the State of New York, and shall constitute a Military 

* Journal House Reps., 10th Cong., 234. 

\ Jonatliaii Williams was bora in Boston, 1*750. During the Revolution he 
resided abroad, acting part of the time as Commercial Agent for the United States. 
In 1790 he -returned and resided near Philadelphia. 

Appointed Major of Artillery and Engineers, Feb. 16, 1801. Inspector of Forti- 
fications and Superintendent at West Point, Dec. 4, 1801. Retained, at reorgani- 
zation of the Army, as Major of the Corps of Engineers, and Superintendent of the 
Military Academy, April, 1802. Lieutenant-Colonel Engineers, April 19, 1805. 
Colonel and Chief Engineer, Feb. 23, 1808; resigned July 31, 1812. Representa- 
tive in Congress from Philadelphia; died May 20, 1815.* 

* National Port. Gallery, vol I.; Gardner's Anny Diet " ' 



194 History of West Point. 

Academy, and the Engineers, assistant Engineers, and 
Cadets, shall be subject to do duty at such places, and on 
such service, as the President of the United States may 
direct.' It was not probably foreseen, that although the 
head-quarters of the Corps might be at West Point, yet 
the duties of the individual officers necessarily spread 
them along our coast from one extremity of the United 
States to the other ; and as the whole number of officers 
can be no more than sixteen, they could not, in their 
dispersed state, constitute a Military Academy. The in- 
congruity of a stationary and errant existence, in the 
same Corps, has been amply exemplified by experience. 
Indeed, it never can be supposed that Engineers, as such, 
could be efficient elementary teachers ; their capability, 
consistent with other - duties, is confined to practical 
teaching, by combining example with precept, and carry- 
ing the rudiments of the art into practical execution ; in 
the same manner as other professional men do who have 
youth under their tuition, after they have gone through 
every branch of elementary learning relating to their 
profession. 

" A part only of the officers were appointed soon after 
the passage of the act, of whom the Major, [Williams] 
who was ex-officio the Chief Engineer, and two Captains 
[Barron and Mansfield] took charge of the Academy, 
the students of which were the cadets belonging to the 
regiment of Artillery. The Major occasionally read lec- 
tures on fortifications, gave practical lessons in the field, 
and taught the use of instruments generally. The two 
Captains taught mathematics ; the one in the fine of 
geometrical, the other in that of algebraical demonstra- 
tions. 



History of West Point. 195 

"As the Corps Avas small, as it had little or nothing to 
do in its more appropriate professional duties, and as the 
students were few, the institution went on producing all 
the effect in its power, and all that could be expected on 
its limited scale. It was soon discovered that mere 
mathematics would not make either an Artillerist or an 
Engineer, and a power was given, by law, to appoint a 
teacher of Drawing and of the French language. Had 
this law, instead of absolutely limiting ' the number of 
teachers and designating their duties, left it general in 
the discretion of the President to appoint such and so 
many as he might find requisite to produce the effect 
contemplated by the establishment, and left the internal 
organization to him, who, from constant observation, 
could judge of the most expedient one, with a reasonable 
but ample appropriation, we should, at this day, have a 
greater number of well-instructed young officers than we 
can boast of. From that time to this, however, the 
Academy has progressed beyond what could liaA^e been 
expected from its means; but now the first mathematical 
teacher has resigned, and the second has, for several 
years, been employed as Surveyor-General of the United 
States in the Western country. 

" During the last year, a citizen, of eminent talents as 
a mathematician, has been employed as principal teacher, 
and a first lieutenant of Engineers performed the duties 
of assistant teacher, while the professor of French and 
Drawing confined his abilities to these branches. So far 
as talents can go, nothing is wanting as to these teachers ; 
they are all capable in the highest degi'ee ; the subscriber 
is only apprehensive that he shall not be able to retain 
them. Mr. Hassler, the chief mathematician, is already 



196 History of West Point. 

designated for a survey of the coast when circumstances 
shall permit that business to be undertaken, and it could 
not be committed to more able hands. Mr. de Masson, 
the professor of French and Drawing, being the only 
teacher designated by the law, he is the only one that, 
exclusive of the Corps of Engineers, can be said to belong 
to the Institution. 

" In short, the Military Academy, as it now stands, is 
like a foundling, barely existing among the mountains, 
and nurtured at a distance out of sight, and almost un- 
known to its legitimate parents. The questions that have 
been frequently put to the subscriber, by members of 
Congress, evidently show that the little interest the In- 
stitution has excited arises solely from its being unknown 
to those who ought to be, and doubtless would willingly 
become, its generous guardians and powerful protectors. 
Had it been so attached to the Government (its real and 
only parent) , as to be always with it, always in sight, and 
always in the way of its fostering care, it would probably 
have flourished, and have become an honorable and inter- 
esting appendage to the national family." 



History of West Point. 197 



CHAPTER XI. 

Action taken by Congress and Increase of the Number of Ca- 
dets. — Urgent Recommendations in Favor of the Institution 
BY President Madison. — Reorganization of the Institution 

in 1812, BY WHICH IT BECAME A BrANCH OF THE ArMY. REDUC- 
TION OF THE Latter, and Recommendation of the President to 
Enlarge the Academy. — Inquiry into the Constitutionality 
of the Institution. — Unanimity of Boards of Investigating 
Committees on the Subject. — Progress of the Institution, and 
the Difficulties it Encountered — Changes among the Teach- 
ers. — Organization under the Law of 1812. — Resignation of 
Colonel Williams ; Colonel Swift his Successor. — Introduc- 
tion OF THE Inspector. — Rules with respect to the Promotion 
of Cadets. — Appointment of a Board of Visitors. — Uniform 
OF THE Cadets. — Report of the Chief-Engineer. 

The Message before mentioned was referred to Messrs. 
Nicholas, of Virginia, Troup, of Georgia, Desha, of Ken- 
tucky, Upham, of Massachusetts, and Milner, of Penn- 
sylvania. The names of some of these gentlemen are 
identified with republican principles, and they Avill not 
be suspected of having lost sight of or disregarded the 
strict requirements of the Constitution. This Commit- 
tee reported a bill on the 12th of April, 1808, which 
added one hundred and fifty-six members to the corps of 
cadets, and which passed in the House by a vote of 95 
to 16. 

Under the succeeding administration, the welfare and 
interests of the Institution were repeatedly recommended 

14 



^ 



198 History of West Point. 

to the favorable consideration of Congress by the Execu- 
tive. In his annual communication, dated 5th Decem- 
ber, 1810, Mr. Madison maintains its usefulness with 
great earnestness and power, and combats successfully 
a popular impression, that such estabUshments were 
only suited to nations whose pohcy was, to a considera- 
ble extent, and by the necessity of their position, war- 
like. 

" The Corps of Engineers, with the Military Academy, 
are entitled to the early attention of Congress. But a 
revision of the law is recommended, principally with a 
view to a more enlarged cultivation and diffusion of the 
advantages of such institutions, by providing professor- 
ships for all the necessary branches of military instruc- 
tion, and by the establishment of an additional Academy 
at the seat of government or elsewhere. 

" The means by which wars, as well for defence as 
offence, are now carried on, render these schools of the 
more scientific operations an indispensable part of every 
adequate system. Even among nations whose large 
standing armies and frequent wars afford every other 
opportunity of instruction, these establishments are 
found to be indispensable for the due attainment of mili- 
tary science, which requires a regular course of study and 
experiment. 

"In a country, happily without the other opportunities, 
seminaries, w^here the elementary principles of the art of 
war can be taught without actual war, and without the 
expense of extensive and standing armies, have the 
precious advantage of uniting an essential preparation 
against external dangers, with a scrupulous regard to in- 
ternal safety. In no other way, probably, can a pro- 



History of West Point. 199 

vision of equal efficiency for the public defence be made 
at so little expense, or more consistently with the public 
liberty."* It seems almost superfluous to remark, that 
the recommendation for creating a new Academy, as well 
as the whole tenor of this extract, is conclusive evidence 
that the constitutionality of these institutions was con- 
sidered by Mr. Madison to be unquestionable. The 
maintenance of an unconstitutional establishment could 
not, with any propriety, be said to be consistent " with 
a scrupulous regard to internal safety," and " with pub- 
lic liberty." In 1811, Congress was again reminded by 
the President " of the importance of these military sem- 
inaries, which, in every event, will form a valuable and 
frugal part of our military establishment."^ 

And before the close of the session, the Act of April 
29, 1812, was passed, which declares that the Military 
Academy shall consist of the Corps of Engineers, and 
the following professors and assistants, in addition to 
the teachers of French and Drawing already provided 
for : viz., a Professor of Natural and Experimental Phi- 
losophy ; a Professor of Mathematics ; a Professor of 
Engineering; with an assistant for each. A Chaplain 
was also to be apj)ointed, and required^o officiate as Pro- 
fessor of Geography, Ethics, and History. The num- 
ber of cadets was limited to two hundred and sixty; 
the requirements for admission, the term of study and 
service, and the rate of pay and emoluments were pre- 
scribed. 

The broad basis of the Military Academy was thus 
laid; and as the Act of 1802 expressly declares, "that 

* Jour. House Reps., 11th Cong., 436. f Jour. House Reps., 12th Cong., 8. 



200 History of West Point. 

the Corps of Engineers shall constitute a Military Acad- 
emy," and the Act of 1812 reiterates " that the Military 
Academy shall consist of the Corps of Engineers and the 
following professors and assistants, in addition," &c. ; 
it will be perceived that the Military Academy, as de- 
signed by its founders, does not consist in buildings, 
apparatus, and location, where instruction is communi- 
cated, but in a regularly constituted military body, 
whose officers and professors are appointed, confirmed, 
and commissioned, in the same manner and form as 
other army officers, and subjected to the same Rules and 
Articles of War as govern all the land forces of the 
United States.* 

By the Act of March 3, 1815, the Army was reduced 
to ten thousand men, a number deemed to be sufficiently 
large, in view of the segregation of this country from 
Europe, and the diminished strength of the Indian tribes. 
In his last Message, dated December 5, 1815, Mr. Madi- 
son urged " an enlargement of the Military Academy, 
and the establishment of others in sections of the Union. 
" If experience has shown in the recent splendid achieve- 
ments of the militia the value of this resource for public 
defence, it has shown, also, the importance of that skill 
in the use of arms, and that familiarity with the essen- 
tial rules of discipline, which cannot be expected from 
the regulations now in force." 

During the sessions of Congress in 1815 and 1817, 
bills were introduced in the House of Representatives 
for creating additional Military Academies, which, how- 
ever, received no decisive action. In 1821 the Army 

* Attorney Gen. U. S., Aug. 2G, 1819 ; Sect, of War, May C, 1846. 



History of West Point. 20 i 

was further reduced to six thousand men, but the act 
of this year, as well as that of 1815, authorized the 
retaining of the Corps of Engineers as already organ- 
ized. 

These legislative enactments in relation to the Acade- 
my, considered in connection with the army, clearly indi- 
cate it to have been the settled policy of that day not to 
rely upon the rank and file of the army, which were en- 
listed for a short period, and could never be thoroughly 
disciplined, but to educate officers, so that instructors 
could always be found ready and competent to teach 
new levies, whenever changes in the political condition 
of the country might require them to be raised. 

The proceedings in the House of Representatives in 
1821, demonstrate most conclusively that public senti- 
ment, so far as it could be expressed through the repre- 
sentatives of the people, was strongly and almost unani- 
mously in favor of the perpetuity of this method of pro- 
viding for future military instruction. 

On February 6th, of that year, a resolution was intro- 
duced, proposing an inquiry into the constitutionality of 
the Military Academy. Ten days after, a motion was 
made to discontinue the pay and rations of the Cadets, 
and discharge them from the Academy and the service 
of the United States — a motion, the certain effect of 
which would have been the abolition of the Institution. 

The opinion of the House upon the subject in general, 
and the two propositions in particular, was emphatically 
shown in the vote on the last, which was rejected by a 
majority of eighty-nine. Subsequent to these proceed- 
ings in the popular branch of the government. President 
Monroe, in his annual message in 1822, pronounced this 



202 History of West Point. 

strong commendation upon the discipline and manage- 
ment of the Academy : " Good order is preserved in it, 
and the young men are well instructed in every science 
connected with the great objects of the Institution. 
They are also well trained and disciplined in the practi- 
cal parts of the profession. It has always been found 
difficult to control the ardor inseparable from that early 
age, in such a manner as to give it a proper direction. 
The great object to be accomplished is the restraint of 
that ardor by such wise regulation and government as 
will keep it within a just subordination, and at the same 
time elevate it to the highest purposes. This object 
seems to be essentially obtained in this Institution, and 
w^ith great advantage to the nation. 

'' The Military Academy forms the basis in regard to 
science, on which the military establishment rests. It 
furnishes annually, after due examination, and on the 
report of the Academic Staff, many well-informed youths, 
to fill the vacancies w^hich occur in the several corps of 
the army ; while others, who retire to private life, carry 
with them such attainments, as, under the right reserved 
to the several States to appoint the officers and to train 
'] the militia, Avill enable them, by affording a wider field 
for selection, to promote the great object of the power 
vested in Congress of providing for the organizing, arm- 
ing, and disciplining the militia." 

It has been mentioned that, during the inception of 
the Military Academy, 3Ir. Jefferson entertained doubts 
as to the constitutional power of the Government to 
create a Military Academy, and that in the end, he 
not only yielded them, but, during his administration, 
gave his active support to the legislative measures for 



History of West Point. 203 

creating and adding to the efficiency of the one exist- 
ing. 

Like objections have been raised from time to time, 
which have met with little or no success. 

On this subject it may be briefly observed, that Con- ^ 
gress, in the exercise of its constitutional power " to 
raise and support armies," and " to make rules for the 
government and regulation of the land and naval forces," 
has enacted, that a number of cadets may be appointed 
as a part of the army, " at no time to exceed two hun- 
dred and fifty." Under this law it will be conceded, that 
these cadets, on receiving their warrants, could be 
assigned to companies as in other armies, and instructed 
in such way as would best qualify them for the duties 
for which they are candidates, and that the expense 
could be provided for by Congress in the usual man- 
ner. 

Economy would dictate that these cadets should be 
embodied, and that all requisite means to effect the 
proper training and instructing of them, as officers and 
soldiers, were included in the powers granted by the 
Constitution. The only question to be decided then 
is, What are the necessary means for this purpose ? In 
other military States, military schools are found to 
exist, provided not only with every thing necessary for 
military instruction, but with professors for all those 
branches of science connected with the military profes- 
sion. 

The most strict constructionist would hardly question 
the power to provide masters of Riding, of the Sword, 
and of Gymnastics ; and yet these are no more a part of 
a military education than a knowledge of Surveying, of 



204 History of West Point. 

Ballistics, and of the composition and fabrication of Gun- 
powder, of the construction of Ordnance, and of the art 
of Fortification, — all of which require for their attain- 
ment and practice scientific culture of the highest 
order. 

It is the fate of every institution of National impor- 
tance, which is fostered and sustained by our Govern- 
ment, to undergo, periodically, probing and investiga- 
tion. Nothing, established by the legislators of one day, 
is exempt from inquiry and examination by those who 
follow them in after-life. 

In looking over the lists of the Boards of Visitors, 
who, for more than forty years, have attended the 
annual examinations at the Military Academy, the 
names of individuals known throughout the country, as 
eminent in Arts, Sciences, and Literature, are found to 
be conspicuous. 

These Boards have been composed of men of all poli- 
tical parties, and from all sections of the Union; men 
whose reputation was of such a character, as to forbid 
the imputation of rendering false testimony as to the 
merits of the Institution ; and yet, whatever may have 
been their prejudices or predilections, they have melted 
away, and been converted into the strongest approba- 
tion, in the crucibles of personal inquiry and conscien- 
tious judgment. 

No Institution in the land has undergone such an 
ordeal of investigations from Boards and Congressional 
Committees, and none courts closer examination and 
scrutiny. 

" The history of the origin of the Military Academy, 
and the opinions and action of the Executive and Legis- 



History of West Point. 205 

lative Departments in regard to it, exhibits the correctly 
balanced mind of Washington, passing from doubt to 
assured conviction, uj)on the question of its constitution- 
ality ; the philosophic mind of Jefferson, who was ever 
biased against free constructions, relinquishing the con- 
fident opinion he had expressed in the negative upon 
the same question, and proposing an enlargement of the 
Institution ; the clearly discriminating mind of Madison, 
exerting its great powers to perpetuate the existing, and 
create new establishments, untrammelled by a doubt of 
the constitutional authority of the Government, and his 
example imitated by his friend and successor. 

" It shows the recognition by Congress of the sound- 
ness of the principle, constituting the basis of such an 
Institution in the Acts of 1794 and 1798 ; the distinct 
and not to be mistaken expression of the conviction of 
the same body, of their power, and of the expediency 
of exercising their power, to establish a Military Aca- 
demy in the Act of 1802 ; and this, too, after the projet 
of such an institution had been fully developed in all its 
extent, in the official report of 1800, and had been two 
years open for their consideration, and that of their con- 
stituents ; and, lastly, it exhibits an unbroken series of 
legislative enactments for the support and extension of 
the Academy, running through a period of twenty years, 
and the failure of the attempts which have been made 
to induce an opposite course of legislation." 

It will be difficult to find in the recorded history 
of the country, a question upon which public senti- 
ment has been more fully and fairly tested, and one 
which has so closely approached unanimity in its settle- 
ment. 



206 History of West Point. 

Under the Act of July 16, 1798, the President was 
authorized to appoint four teachers of the " Arts and 
Sciences," for the instruction of the regiment of Artil- 
lerists and Engineers ; and accordingly, a number of 
officers and men from that regiment were collected at 
West Point, and the attempt made to organize a school 
for military instruction at that place. It soon became 
apparent, however, that the want of a preparatory 
induction into the " Arts and Sciences," rendered it diffi- 
cult for the officers to impart the necessary instruction. 
The school, as a consequence, progressed slowly, and 
with little success.* 

Of the four teachers, none were appointed prior to 
January 6, 1801 ; at which time Mr. George Barron 
was appointed teacher of Mathematics, and served as 
such until his dismissal from service, February 11, 1802. 

On December 4, 1801, Major Jonathan Williams, of 
the regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, assumed 
the command of the Post and the duties of instruction,f 
assisted by Captain W. A. Barron, of the same corps. 
It was soon discovered that the regiment of Artillerists 
and Engineers could not combine with eff'ect the two 
duties assigned to its members, and a law was therefore 
framed, separating them into two corps, and declaring 
that the Corps of Engineers should be stationed at West 
Point, N. Y., and should constitute a Military Academy. 
The following extracts include all the law that relates to 
the subject under consideration : 

* Seventeenth Cong., First Session, No. 226. 
f Williams's Report. — General Swift, MSS. 



History of West Point. 207 



"ACT OF MAECH 16, 1802, ENTITLED, 'AN ACT FIXING THE MIL+ 
ITARY PEACE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.' / 



" Sec. 2. — That the regiment of Artillerists shall con- 
sist of one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, four majors, 
one adjutant, and twenty comjmnies, each company to 
consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, one second 
lieutenant, two cadets, four sergeants, four corporals, 
four musicians, eight artificers, and fifty-six privates ; to 
be formed into five battalions. '*' * '"•' * 

"Sec. 26.— That the President of the United States 
is hereby authorized and empowered, when he shall 
deem it expedient, to organize and establish a Corps of 
Engineers, to consist of one engineer, with the pay, rank, 
and emoluments of a major ; two assistant engineers, 
with the pay, rank, and emoluments of first lieuten- 
ants ; two other assistant engineers, with the pay, rank, 
and emoluments of second lieutenants ; and ten cadets, 
with the pay of sixteen dollars per month, and two ra- 
tions per day ; and the President of the United States 
is in like manner authorized, when he shall deem it 
proper, to make such promotions in the said Corps, with 
a view to particular merit, and without regard to rank, 
so as not to exceed one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, 
two majors, four captains, four first lieutenants, four 
second lieutenants, and so that the number of the whole 
Corps shall at no time exceed twenty officers and cadets. 

'' Sec. 27. — That the said Corps, when so organized, 
shall be stationed at West Point, in the State of New 
York, and shall constitute a Military Academy; and the 
Engineers, assistant Engineers, and cadets of the said 
Corps, shall be subject, at all times, to duty in such 



208 History of West Point. 

places, and *on such service, as the President of the 
United States shall direct. 

" Sec. 28. — That the principal Engineer, in his absence 
the next in rank, shall have the Superintendence of the 
said Military Academy, under the direction of the Pres- 
ident of the United States ; and the Secretary of War 
is hereby authorized, at the public expense, under such 
regulations as shall be directed by the President of the 
United States, to procure the necessary books, imple- 
ments, and apparatus for the use and benefit of the said 
Institution." 

Under the foregoing Act the following officers were 
appointed : * Jonathan Williams, Major of Engineers and 
Principal Engineer, became the Superintendent of the 
Military Academy, April, 1802. 

William A. Barron, Captain Engineers, Teacher 
Mathematics, April, 1802. 

Jared Mansfield, Captain Engineers, Teacher Natu- 
ral and Experimental Philosophy, May, 1802. 

James Wilson, First Lieutenant Engineers, Student. 

Alexander Macomb, First Lieutenant Engineers, Stu- 
dent. 

Joseph G. Swift, Second Lieutenant Engineers, Student. 

Simon M. Levi, Second Lieutenant Engineers, Student. 

By the Act of February 28, 1803, there were added 
to the Academy, a teacher of French and a teacher of 
Drawing ;f but both positions were filled by Francis De 
Masson from July, 1803, until September, 1808, at 
which time Christian E. Zoeller was appointed teacher 
of Drawing. Upon the resignation of the latter, in 
April, 1810, De Masson again resumed the duties. 

*im. Affairs, II., 634. f MQ. Affairs, II., 634. 



History of West Point. 209 

The same Act authorized forty Cadets from the Ar- 
tillery, in addition to the ten from the Engineers already 
providedT; and by another Act, passed April 12, 1808, 
twenty Cadets from the Light Artillery, one hundred 
from the Infantry, sixteen from the Cavalry, and twenty 
from the Hiflemen, were authorized. But few, if any, 
of the Cadets thus designated were appointed. No law 
attached them to the Military Academy ; no provision 
existed for the reception or instruction of such a num- 
ber at West Point, and to order them to their regiments 
without instruction Avas deemed useless. 

Thus, at this early period, the Military Academy was 
recognized as a Scientific Institution for the education of 
the Corps of Engineers, and as such, its existence was not 
made contingent upon the presence or absence of Cadets 
appointed in the army. Some changes occurred among 
the teachers meanwhile ; Captain Barron having been re- 
lieved in February, 1807, by Ferdinand R. Hassler ; and 
the latter, having been called on the Coast Survey in 
February, 1810, was succeeded by Captain Alden Par- 
tridge, of the Engineers, who discharged the duties until 
his appointment as Professor, under the Act of 1812. 
Captain Mansfield was relieved in 1805, leaving his 
position vacant until his return as Professor, under the 
same Act. 

The Cadets were quartered in the old " Long Barrack"* 

* " War Department, Dec. 8, 1S13. 
*' The Cadets of the Mihtary Academy shall, as early as possible, be fed at a 
common table. The present method of boarding at different and private houses, 
ought to be discontinued ; you are accordingly authorized to take measures neces- 
sary to this end, making a report of what you do to this Department.* 

[Signed] " J. Armstrong." 

"To Capt. Paeteidge." \Stci. of War.^ 

* Order-Book, 1813, U. S. M. A. 



210 History of West Point. 

of the Revolution, boarded promiscuously, and in^ 
structed in a two-story wooden building, serving as the 
" Academy," and at the same time as the quarters of the 
Superintendent. It stood on the site now occupied by 
the latter. 

In this embryonic condition the Military Academy 
furnished but seventy-one graduates during the first ten 
years of its existence, and was indeed appropriately com- 
pared to " a foundling barely existing among the moun- 
tains, nurtured at a distance, out of sight of, and almost 
unknown to, its legitimate parents." 

The urgent recommendation of Mr. Madison, in 1810, 
and its repetition the following year, at length awakened 
Congress to the necessity of revising the existing laws 
relative to the Institution. 

On April 29th, 1812, an Act was passed, entitled, 

"AN ACT MAKING FURTHER PROVISION FOR THE CORPS OF EN- 
GINEERS. 

" Sec. 2. — That the Military Academy shall consist of 
the Corps of Engineers, and the following professors, in 
addition to the teachers of the French language and 
Drawdng', already provided, viz. : one professor of Natural 
and Experimental Philosojihy, with the joay and emolu- 
ments of lieutenant-colonel, if not an officer of the Corps, 
and, if taken from the Corps, then so much in addition to 
his pay and emoluments as shall equal those of a lieu- 
tenant-colonel ; one professor of Mathematics, wdth the 
pay and emoluments of a major, if not an officer of the 
Corps, and, if taken from the Corps, then so much in 
addition to his pay and emoluments as shall equal those 
of a major ; one professor of the art of Engineering in all 
its branches, with the pay and emoluments of a major, if 



History of West Point. 211 

not an officer of the Corps, and, if taken from the Corps, 
then so much in addition to his pay and emoluments as 
shall equal those of a major ; each of the foregoing pro- 
fessors to have an assistant professor, which assistant 
professor shall be taken from the most prominent charac- 
ters of the officers or cadets, and receiA^e the pay and 
emoluments of captains, and no other pay or emolu- 
ments while performing these duties. Provided, That 
nothing herein contained shall entitle the Academical 
Staff, as such, to any command in the army separate 
from the Academy. \ 

" Sec. 3. — That the cadets heretofore appointed in the\ \ 
service of the United States, whether of Artillery, Cav- j 
airy. Riflemen, or Infantry, or that may in future be/ 
appointed as hereinafter provided, shall at no time exV 
ceed two hundred and fifty ; that they may be attachec^, 
at the discretion of the President of the United Stateis, 
as students, to the Military Academy, and be subject to 
the established regulations thereof; that they shall be 
arranged into companies of non-commissioned officers and 
privates, according to the direction of the commandant 
of Engineers, and be officered from the said Corps, for 
the purpose of military instruction ; that there shall be 
added to each company of cadets four musicians, and 
the said Corps shall be trained and taught all the duties 
of a private, non-commissioned officer, and officer ; be 
encamped at least three months of each year, and taught 
all the duties incident to a regular camp ; that the can- 
didates for cadets be not under the age of fourteen, nor 
above the age of twenty-one years ; that each cadet, previ- 
ously to his appointment by the President of the United 
States, shall be well versed in reading, writing, and 



212 History of West Point. 

arithmetic, and that he shall sign articles, with the con- 
sent of his parent or guardian, by which he shall engage 
to serve five years, unless sooner discharged ; and all 
such cadets shall be entitled to and receive the pay and 
emoluments now allowed by law to cadets in the Corps 
of Engineers. 

" Sec. 4. — That when any cadet shall receive a regular 
degree from the Academic Staff, after going through all 
the classes, he shall be considered as among the candi- 
dates for a commission in any Corps, according to the 
duties he may be judged competent to perform ; and in 
case there shall not, at the time, be a vacancy in such 
Corps, he may be attached to it at the discretion of the 
President of the United States, by brevet of the lowest 
grade, as a supernumerary officer, with the usual pay 
and emoluments of such grade, until a vacancy shall 
happen. Provided, That there shall not be more than 
one supernumerary officer to any one company at the 
same time. 

" Sec. 5. — That $25,000 be appropriated for erecting 
buildings, and for providing an apparatus, a library, and 
all necessary implements, and for such contingent ex- 
penses as may be necessary and proper, in the judgment 
of the President of the United States, for such an insti- 
tution." 

This law furnished the jirinciples upon which the 
Military Academy has been conducted and controlled, 
without change to the present moment. In addition to 
the Departments of Engineering, Philosophy, Mathemat- 
ics, French, and Drawing, provided for, there haA'e been 
added in later years, as the Academy progressed in use- 
fulness, a Department of Geography, History, and Ethics; 



History of West Point. 21 B 

a Department of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology ; 
a Department of Infantry Tactics,* a Department of 
Practical Engineering, a Department of Artillery and 
Cavalry, a Department of Spanish, a Department of 
Ordnance and Gunnery, a Department for Equitation 
and Cavalry instruction, and a Department of Fencing 
and Bayonet exercise. 

.Upon the resignation of Colonel Williams, July 31, 1812, 
he was succeeded by Colonel Joseph G. Swift, as senior 
ofl&cer of Engineers, and Superintendent. Although 
the law had contemplated that the Corps of Engineers 
should be stationed at West Point, its duties soon 
became so extensive that the chief of the Corps could 
not be present continuously at the Academy ; but by 
the direction of the President he was, previous to 1815, 
charged with the administration of its affairs, couA^eying 
his orders, when absent, to the senior Engineer officer at 
the Institution, who thus exercised the functions of 
Superintendent. 

The Regulations of the Military Academy, dated 
"War Department, January 3, 1815, Approved, James 
Monroe," and an Order from the War Department, dated 
February 28, 1815, approved in like manner, provided 
that, "*A Permanent Superintendent' shall be appointed 
to the Military Academy, who, under the direction of 
the Secretary of War, shall have exclusive control of 
the Institution and of those connected with it, and Avho 



* A General Order, dated "Dec. 8, 1813, signed, John Armstrong [Sect, of 
War], directs three hundred short muskets to be forwarded from the Springfield, 
Mass., Armory to West Point, for the use of the Cadets — and another of the same 
date, requires the Ordnance Officer at Albany to furnish one 18-Pounder, one 10^ 
inch Mortar, and one 5i-inch Howitzer, for the use of the Academy at the same 
place." [Order-Book, 1813, U. S. M. A.] 
15 



214 History of West Point. 

will be held responsible for its conduct and progress: 
he will direct the studies, field exercises, and other aca- 
demic duties. The Commandant of the Corps of Engi- 
neers shall be the ^Inspector' of the Academy, and 
shall visit it officially and report thereon to the War 
Department, with such alterations and improvements as 
he and the Superintendent may deem necessary. The 
Superintendent will receive orders from the Inspector, 
and will make all returns and communications relative 
to the Academy to him only." The Order declared 
that no officer of the Army, of any rank whatever, 
should exercise command at West Point, unless subor- 
dinate to the Inspector or the Superintendent of the 
Academy. These orders have remained in force to the 
present day. 

During the following year, the " Rules with respect 
to the Promotion of the Cadets at the Military Academy" 
were approved by Mr. Monroe, by which their distribu- 
tion to the different Corps in the army and their rela- 
tive rank were made to depend on their general merit, 
to be determined by a competent Board of Examiners, 
and that no Cadet should be promoted until after com- 
pleting his course of studies, and receiving his diploma, 
&c. It does not appear that these "Rules" were opera- 
tive until November, 1818, at which time they were 
published in Orders at the Academy, and the Academic 
Staff constituted the examining Board. 

Another series of Regulations for the Government of 
the Military Academy, dated West Point, May 22, 
181G, was transmitted to the Inspector by Mr. Craw- 
ford, the Secretary of War, " approved" July 1, 1816, 
which contained, in addition to the foregoing, a pro- 



History of West Point. 215 

vision for the appointment of a " Board of Visitors," to 
consist of five competent gentlemen, who should attend 
at each general examination, and report thereon to the 
War Department through the Inspector. Of this Board 
the Superintendent was constituted the President. It 
was also provided that annual and semi-annual exami- ' 
nations should be held in June and January, and that 
new Cadets should present themselves in the month of 
September, and be examined in spelling, reading, wri- 
ting, and arithmetic* During the same year a course 
of studies for each of the four years was drawn up, and 
received the sanction of the Secretary of War. 

A General Order on September 4, 1816, prescribed the 
uniform of the Corps of Cadets, the same as now worn, 
except that the hat and cockade have been displaced 
by a dress and fatigue-cap, and the pants are with- 
out the Austrian knot. Regulations and orders alike 
seemed unavailing in producing the expected results, 
for the Chief Engineer, in his report dated March 30th, ' 
1822, declared that "the Military Academy may be 
considered as having been in its infancy until about the 
beginning of 1818, prior to which there was but little 
system or regularity. Cadets were admitted without 
examination, and without the least regard to their age 
or qualifications, as required by the law of 1812. Hence 
the Institution was filled with Cadets who were more 
or less unfit for their situations. It is not surprising, 
therefore, that a large portion of them have been under 
the necessity of leaving the Academy without com- 
pleting their education." f 

* NUes'a Reg., XYL, Supplement. f MiL Affairs, H., 381. 



216 History of West Point. 

The Cadets were not regarded as amenable to martial 
law; no class-rank was established; no register of the 
classes was published ; and in the assignment to positions 
in the Army, they demanded the right to elect such Corps 
as seemed to them most satisfactory. * 

* The early Uniform of the Cadets was as follows : 

Coat. Blue cloth, single breasted, standing collar, single herring-bone cuff, 

eight buttons in front, six in rear, one on each side of the coUar with one blind 
button-hole, and one on each cuff. 

Under Clothes. — Nankeen in Summer, grey cloth in Winter. 

Black Stock. 

Chapeau. — Cockade with gilt eagle, and loop. 

Half-Boots and Shoes. 

Swords. — Cut and thrust, in a frog belt worn under the coat. 

The Buttons to be eagle impression, yellow gilt, f th inch diameter. — [Army 
Regulations, 1814.] 



History of West Point. 217 



CHAPTER XII. 

Appointment of Brevet-Major Thayer as Superintendent. — Im- 
petus IMPARTED to THE INSTITUTION. ORGANIZATION OF THE 

Battalion of Cadets. — Improvements in the System of Educa- 
tion. — The Secretary of "War directs Five most Distinguished 
Cadets in each Class, to be Annually Reported.— Amenabil- 
ity OF Cadets to Martial Law. — Cadet Assistant Professors. 
— General Examinations in January and June. — Furloughs. — 
Major De Russy Appointed to Succeed Colonel Thayer as Su- 
perintendent, — Destruction by Fire of the Academic Build- 
ing. — New one Erected. — Organization of the Department 
of Chemistry, &;c. — The Cadets Sworn to Serve Eight Years. 

Submerged under these and other chaotic influences, 
Brevet-Major Sylvanus Thayer, of the Corps of Engi- 
neers, on July 28, 1817, assumed command as Superin- 
tendent of the Military Academy, and from this period 
the commencement of whatever success as an educa- 
tional institution, and whatever reputation the Academy 
may possess throughout our country and abroad, for its 
strict, impartial, salutary, elevating, and disciplinary 
government, must be dated. 

Major Thayer was an early graduate of the Academy; 
he had served with distinction in the War of 1812, and 
had studied the Military Schools of France, and profited 
by the opportunity to acquire more complete and just 
views concerning the management of such an institution 
than were generally entertained among educational and 
military men of that day. The field before him was 



218 History of West Point. 

uncultivated; the period was one when rare qualifica- 
tions for position were not regarded as valueless ; and 
blessed with health, devotion to the cause, and firmness, 
of purpose, he was permitted to organize a system, and 
remain sixteen years to perfect its operation. 

Immediately after entering upon his duties, the Cadets 
were organized into a Battalion of two Companies, with 
a Colonel^ of Cadets, an Adjutant and Sergeant-Major, for 
its Staff; and within the year he created a " Com- 
mandant of Cadets," to be an instructor of Tactics, and 
superintend their instruction. The office thus intro- 
duced has recently been recognized by Congress, though 
it had, from its origin, continuously existed with no 
other sanction than a Regulation. 

The division of Classes into sections,f the transfers be- 
tween the latter,f the weekly rendering of class reports, 
showing the daily progress, the system and scale of 
daily marks,J the establishment of relative class rank 
among the members, the publication of the Annual 
Register, the introduction of the Board of Visitors,§ the 
Check-book system,|| the preponderating influence of 
the " Black-board," and the essential parts of the Regu- 
lations! | for the Military Academy, as they stand to 

* Battalion Orders, Sept. 23, 1817. — "For the designation of rank, chevrons will 
be worn on the arms of the Battalion OfiQcers and non-commissioned OflQcers. 
The Colonel shall wear three on each arm, the Captain shall wear two on each 
arm, the Adjutant one on each arm, the Lieutenant one on the left arm; the 
Sergeant-Major two on each arm, the Sergeants one on each arm, the Corporals one 
on the left arm. Those worn by the officers to be of gold lace, and those of the 
non-commissioned officers to be of yellow ribbon." — [Order-Book U. S. M. A., 1817.] 

f Order-Book, Oct., 1817, U. S. M. A. J Mil. Aft'airs, II., 659 

§ Although authorized by the "Crawford" Regulations of March 6, 1816, no 
record exists of the proceedings of such a Board previous to 1819. — [Off. Records, 
U. S. M. A.] 

J Oxder-Book, 1818, U. S. M. A. 



History of West Point. 219 

this day, are some of the evidences of the indefatigable 
efforts of Major Thayer to insure method, order, and 
prosperity to the Institution. It was through the agency 
of Major Thayer that Professor Claude Crozet, the 
parent of Descriptive Geometry in America, and one of 
the first successful instructors of the higher Mathematics, 
permanent Fortifications, and Toj)ographical Curves, 
became attached to the Academy. 

On February 14, 1818, a communication from John 
C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, to the Superintendent, 
declares that it is the determination of the Department 
to aid in elevating the system of discipline, and create a 
spirit of emulation among the cadets ; and further dis- 
closes the belief, "that in future wars the Nation must 
look to the Academy for the skill to conduct valor to 
victory ;" it also adds, that as " publishing in the Army 
Register the names of cadets who are most distin- 
guished for attainments and meritorious conduct, may 
inspire attention to study, and create emulous exertion, 
you will report to this Department annually in Novem- 
ber for that object, the names of those who have most 
distinguished themselves in the examination, not exceed- 
ing five in each class, specifying the studies in which 
they may excel."* 

This order has fully sustained the object of its origi- 
nator ; and few among those thus honored have in after- 
life experienced a higher feeling of gratified ambition, 
than accompanied the annual publication, now presented 
in the appendix, for a period of forty-five years. 

The Department of Geography, History, and Ethics 
was organized by the Act of April 14, 1818 ; on the 18th, 

* Order-Book, 1818, U. S. M. A. 



220 History of West Point. 

the Chaplain, Rev. Cave Jones, was appointed Professor. 
The clerical and secular duties thus combined have 
remained inseparable to the present period. 

In November of this year, there occurred a series of 
events which resulted in the memorable trial of Cadets 
F., H., L., R., and V., and established the amenability 
of the Corps of Cadets to martial law, and trial by gar- 
rison courts. 

The cadets referred to composed a committee repre- 
senting one hundred and eighty-nine others, who had 
formed a combination, under the impression that they 
had, as a corps in the army, rights to defend ; and that 
as cadets at the Military Academy, they were entitled 
to a free expression of opinion in regard to its manage- 
ment. A General Court-Martial, of which Brevet- 
Colonel J. Hindman, Corps of Artillery, was president, 
convened at West Point in May following, for the trial 
of the cadets named ; and upon the completion of the 
first case [Cadet R.], the court decided that, according 
to their construction of the Rules and Articles of War, 
they had no autlioriiy to try cadets. 

Upon this decision, August 21, 1819, Hon. William 
Wirt, then Attorney-General,* delivered an elaborate 
opinion, wherein the following views are supported : 

" It is suggested by Colonel Hindman, on behalf of 
the court-martial, that these cadets are merely students. 
In one sense they are so, and so was the old corps, known 
under the name of ' Artillerists and Engineers ;* so was 

* A decision of the Attorney-General, dated July 13th, 1837, places the sojourn 
of any person at West Point not connected with the Military Academy (denying 
the right of a citizen, even to visit the hotel, post-office, or use the public wharf) 
subject to a prohibition by the Superintendent, if in hia opinion the public interest 
requires it. — [Official Records U. S. M. A.] 



History of West Point. 221 

the original corps of engineers who constituted the Mili- 
tary Academy ; for both ' books, instruments, and appa- 
ratus for study,' were expressly provided by law ; yet 
this character of students did not exempt them from 
liability to martial law. But if the suggestion is in- 
tended to place cadets on the footing of civil students, 
clothed with all their civil privileges and immunities, it 
is proper to remark, that these cadets occupy a very dif- 
ferent ground ; they are enlisted soldiers ; they engage, 
like soldiers, to serve five years unless sooner dis- 
charged J * * * * they are bound to perform military 
duty in such places, and on such service, as the Com- 
mander-in-chief of the army of the United States shall 
order; and, finally, by the Act of the 3d of March, 1815, 
fixing ' the military peace establishment of the United 
States,' the corps to which they are attached, and of 
which they form a part, is expressly recognized as a 
part of that military establishment, * * * After every 
allowance for the genius of our Constitution and laws, 
and after rejecting every thing like implication and 
inference from the consideration of this question, I come 
to the conclusion that the corps at West Point form a 
part of the land forces of the United States, and have 
been constitutionally subjected by Congress to the Rules 
and Articles of War, and to trial by courts-martial."* 

This opinion was confirmed by President Monroe and 
Mr. Calhoun, Secretary of War, and has prevailed from 
that day to this, as supreme law. 

An order from the Engineer Department, dated April 
13, 1818, authorized the employment of cadets as acting 

* MU. Affairs, 11, 30. 



222 History of West Point. 

Assistant Professors, " each cadet so detailed to receive 
ten dollars per month," and the appointment, declared 
an " honorable distinction," was further marked by the 
order of the Superintendent, dated September 10, 1823, 
which prescribed the additional number of buttons on 
the uniform of such as held these positions.* 

Practical instruction at this time was conveyed not 
only at the Academy, but excursion marches, under 
Major William J. Worth, the Commandant of Cadets, 
were made at different times by the cadets to Boston, 
Philadelphia, Princeton, and other points, during which 
all the duties incident to camp-life and field-service were 
regularly performed. 

A Regulation, approved by the Secretary of War, 
dated July 23d, 1818, introduced the following radical 
changes in the existing code : 

" I. There shall be two general examinations in each 
year ; the first to commence on the 1st of January, and 
the second on the 1st of June. 

" II. All newly appointed cadets will be ordered to 
join the Military Academy for examination by the 25th 
of June in each year, and no cadet shall be examined for 
admission after the first day of September following, un- 
less he shall have been prevented from joining at the 
proper time by sickness or some other unavoidable 
cause ; in which case he may be examined with the fourth 
class at the general examination in January, and if then 
found quahfied to proceed with that class, may be ad- 
mitted accordingly. 

"III. Until a revision of the laws relating to the 

♦ Order-Book, 1823, U. S. M. A. 



History of West Point. 223 

Military Academy, there shall be, in lieu of the vaca- 
tion authorized by the existing regulations, an annual 
encampment, to commence on the 1st of July and end on 
the 31st of August. 

" IV. The Superintendent is authorized to grant fur- 
loughs to the cadets, at the request of their parents, dur- 
ing the period of their encampment, provided that not 
more than one-fourth of the whole number be absent at 
any one time, and provided also that every cadet, pre- 
viously to his receiving a diploma, shall have been pre- 
sent at not less than two entire encampments."* 

At his own request, on July 1, 1833, Colonel Thayer 
was relieved as Superintendent by Major R. E. De 
RussY, of the Corps of Engineers. The upward impetus 
given to the Institution by the former, had attracted 
general observation. Cadet appointments became a '^ 
matter of greater importance and patronage. The as- 
perities of party were aroused ; politics invaded the Mil- 
itary Academy ; and the decisions of its controlling 
authorities were subject to reversion, by those who 
sought to perpetuate influence rather than uphold disci- 
pline. 

Under Colonel De Russy the present Academic HaU 
was commenced ; and while yet in progress, on February 
19, 1838, the old two-story stone Academy, facing the 
north, and in front of the present Barracks, was destroy- 
ed by fire. 

The books and records of the Adjutant's Office, con- 
taining the history of the Academy, and of the Post 
since the Revolution, w^ere entirely consumed, and a loss 

* Order-Book, Aug., 1818, U. S. M. A. 



224 History of West Point. 

was thereby sustained which can never be replaced. 
The contents of the Library, Engineering Department, 
and Chemical Laboratory, were rescued by the cadets 
in a seriously damaged condition. 

By the Act of July 5, 1838, it was provided, " That 
an additional professor be appointed to instruct in the 
studies of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology," and the 
Secretary of War was authorized to assign an assistant 
professor, " to be taken from the officers of the line or 
cadets, and who should receive the same pay as the 
other assistant professors." 

The Department thus created was organized by the 
appointment of Lieutenant Jacob W. Bailey, as Pro- 
fessor. 

Section 28 of the same Act declared : " That the term 
for which Cadets hereafter admitted into the Military 
Academy at West Point shall engage to serve be, and 
the same is hereby, increased to eight years, unless 
sooner discharged." 

This engagement has remained unchanged ; and by it 
the United States claims the services of those who have 
been educated at the expense of the nation, though the 
latter is by no means bound to provide commissions to 
the cadets after passing the prescribed four years at the 
Military Academy. No instances, however, have occur- 
red where the services were refused, or the graduates 
left unprovided with commissions. 



History of West Point. 225 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Major Delafield Appointed to Succeed Colonel De Russy as 
Superintendent. — Progress in Improvements. — Establishment 
OF Cavalry Instruction. — Commandant of the Post. — Method 
OF Appointing the Cadets. — Principles Regulating it. — Not 
Controlled by the "Wealthy. — Open to all. — Substitutes for 
the Present System of making Appointments. — Enormous Ex- 
pense of the Proposed Change. — Comparison of a Cadet and 
Citizen Applicant for Grade of Lieutenant. — The Military 
Academy said to be " Only a School of Art," and Accused 
OF HAVING Produced no " Great Military Genius." — An Ap- 
peal to its Records. — Term of Service of Graduates, and of 
Citizens in the Army. 

On September 1, 1838, Colonel De Russy was suc- 
ceeded by Major Richard Delafield, of the Corps of 
Engineers, as Superintendent. Endowed with adminis- 
trative abilities of a high order, and an inflexible resolu- 
tion to maintain the discipline of the Institution, one of 
the earliest efforts of this officer was directed towards 
defining and establishing the boundaries of the public 
lands at West Point, and removing all unauthorized indi- 
viduals who had settled thereon. Various suits of eject- 
ment were successfully instituted against those who, 
under divers pretences, occupied portions of the public 
domain. Under his direction. Lieutenant Knowlton was 
employed to search the State and County records ; and 
the result was most successful in effecting the removal 
of the off"ending parties, and the establishment by a new 



226 History of West Point. 

survey, in 1839, of the boundaries before described, and 
which have remained ever since unchanged. The erec- 
tion of the Library Building and Artillery Laboratory, 
the enlargement of the Library, the imj^rovement of the 
Chemical Laboratory, many acquisitions to the Drawing 
department, and the construction of the roads leading 
towards Canterbury, to the North Wharf, and the Chain 
battery walk, are some of the efforts which attest Major 
Delafield's untiring energy. 

The repeated representations of the successive Boards 
of Visitors induced Mr. Poinsett, the Secretary of War, 
on June 12, 1839, to transfer a sergeant and five dra- 
goons from Carlisle Barracks, to aid in the introduction 
of exercises in Riding at the Academy. Twelve horses 
were supplied by the Quarter-Master's Department in 
the ensuing week. In September following, the Ser- 
geant was appointed Riding-Master ; and at the same 
time authority was given the Superintendent to recruit 
the detachment, purchase thirty additional horses with 
equipments, and the harness necessary for a battery of 
Light Artillery. 

From this period new life was infused into the Light 
Artillery and mounted corps of the army, and instruc- 
tion in both of these branches has continued without 
interruption. 

By the Act of July 20, 1840, it was declared that the 
Commandant of Cadets should be either the instructor 
of Artillery, Cavalry, or Infantry tactics, or the in- 
structor of practical Engineering ; and by the same Act, 
an Assistant professor was authorized in the depart- 
ment of Ethics as in other departments. 

Section 6th of the Act of August 23, 1842, declared, 



History of West Point. 227 

that the Superintendent of the Military Academy 
should be the Commandant of the Post; and thus a 
vexatious question of .ank and command was defini- 
tively settled. 

Up to this period, the' mode of selecting and appoint- 
ing the Cadets had constituted a grave subject of inquiry 
and discussion in differe'nt sections of the country. An 
examination of the method, and the comparative merit 
of the system which was^jDroposed as a substitute, admit 
of a brief description, i 

Prior to 1817, various vdrcumstances connected with 
the condition of the country and of the Academy, con- 
tributed to render admission to it far less an object of 
ambition than it has since become. The openings for 
the aspiring, before the commencement of the second 
war of 1812, were indicated by the pacific policy of the 
country. The talents of the young were exerted in 
achieving pre-eminence in the legislative or judicial halls, 
or in acquiring the wealth to be gained in commercial 
intercourse with foreign lands. Undoubtedly military 
science and skiU assumed more important aspects in the 
public mind during the progress of that war ; but the 
sure means of obtaining this science and skill were not as 
perceptible in the then imperfect organization of, and 
instruction at the Military Academy, as they have been 
since the year 1817. 

From that period the increasing reputation of the 
Institution attracted towards it public attention; and 
young men of ardent minds and strong powers sought a 
participation in its privileges and advantages. This 
general emulation imposed upon the Department, by 
which the selection of candidates was to be made, the 



228 History of West Point. 

necessity of adopting some general rule, which should 
exclude the imputation of favoritism, and be equitable 
for all. One principle was admitted to be fundamental 
— that the doors of an institution which was sustained 
by the munificence of the country should be first opened 
to receive the sons of those who had bravely perilled, 
or who had nobly lost their livVs in its defence. An- 
other principle, which naturally suggested itself to the 
minds of those who wished tliat the army should be 
deservedly honored, was, that ;.n uncommon intellectual 
ability should be a guarantee ^ success to an applicant. 
In the application of these princiiDles, however, even 
upon the supposition that selections were limited to 
these two classes, there might often occur a serious 
practical difficulty. The very word. Selection, implies 
a balancing of claims ; and it is not to be supposed that 
any individual, however extensive his intercourse with 
society might have been, would be able, from his per- 
sonal knowledge of candidates, to frame in all cases a 
just award. 

This difficulty increased as the number of admissions 
to be granted increased, and as the classes from which 
a selection was to be made were multiplied. To rely 
entirely upon the representations of individuals residing 
at a distance, and equally unknown with those whom 
they recommended, would be obviously most unsafe. 
It would be reposing confidence under circumstances 
which would not justify trust in ordinary matters of 
mere pecuniary interest. The representative branch of 
the Government, including under this denomination the 
Senate and the House, afforded a means of obtaining 
the information prerequisite to a decision, which pro- 



History of West Point. 229 

mised an effectual security for the rights of all. No 
inference could be more legitimate than this : that they 
who were intrusted with the higher concerns of the 
people, and who were directly responsible to the people, 
would be safe counsellors in the administration of this 
interest. From these and similar views originated, 
probably, the custom of selecting one cadet from each 
Congressional district, and of allowing great weight 
to the recommendation of the representatives of the 
respective districts. This rule, while it afforded to the 
appointing power the means of judging correctly, or 
rather of avoiding error, was accej)table to the repre- 
sentatives and to their constituents. To the former, as 
it gave them opportunities of extending their personal 
influence, or of gratifying their feelings of personal 
regard. To the latter, who could thus present their 
claims with the more freedom and confidence through 
the medium which the Constitution and their own choice 
had provided. 

It is true that, in some instances, a representative 
might feel himself bound to present the names of seve- 
ral candidates, and that then the final decision must be 
made by the head of the Department. But such in- 
stances are of rare occurrence ; and it is believed the 
fact is susceptible of positive proof, that, in a vast 
majority of cases, the selections have been determined 
by the representative of the district, or by the joint 
action of all the members of a delegation from a State. 
The necessary operation of this rule leaves but little pat- 
ronage with the appointing power; and the danger of an 
abuse of the privilege allowed them by the representa- 
tives is guarded against, not only by their responsibility 
16 



230 History of West Point. 

to their constituents, but by the sense of honor which 
will forbid them to mislead the judgment of him who 
relies upon them for the means of deciding rightly. It 
has been charged, however, that under the influence of 
the motives which have been alluded to [the extension of 
their personal interest, and the gratification of personal 
regard], the representatives have exerted themselves for 
the success of the toealthy or powerful. The records of 
the Academy furnish a complete refutation to this charge. 
From them it prominently appears, that not more than 
one-eighteenth of those admitted during the last twenty- 
two years could have received, without this aid, more 
than a common English school education, and that a 
still smaller number of the officers of the army pos- 
sess any income or means of support beyond their regu- 
lar pay and emoluments. It seems that this accusation 
underrates the intelligence and moral feeling of both 
representatives and people. The sentiments of grati- 
tude and veneration for the worthies of the army have 
not so far subsided, nor the appreciation of uncommon 
mental power become so rare in any community, that 
the overlooking, by a representative or an officer of the 
Government, of a son of the former, or the possessor of 
the latter, in favor of one whose only recommendations 
were wealth or influence with a party, would not draw 
upon him their distrust and contempt. 

That appointments have been, and may again be made, 
without consulting those peculiar interests for which the 
Institution was designed, it is not unreasonable to sup- 
pose ; but the Academy itself furnishes the best possible 
corrective for abuses of this kind, in rejecting incompe- 
tent and unworthy members ; while, from the legal au- 



History of West Point. 231 

thority* with which it is clothed, it can accomplish what 
no executive authority has hitherto been able to effect, 
by resisting all political and other influences for the 
restoration of such subjects. It thus secures the public 
interests, and the rightful claims of those of its members 
who faithfully perform their duties. 

All will readily admit that the military profession, 
like that of every other calling in life, requires a pecu- 
liar training and special qualifications to exercise it suc- 
cessfully. In most of the other Avocations of life, the 
welfare of the individual is the chief object — in this, the 
safety and honor of the State are involved. It is true 
that there are other bodies upon whom this guardian- 
ship rests, as the Executive, the Legislative, and the 
Judiciary ; but the acts of these, if erroneous, are seldom 
irreparable, and most of them are easily remedied. But 
this is far from being true in regard to the acts of armies. 
A battle lost, besides the effusion of blood, often entails 
an immense destruction of property, and other annihi- 
lating results ; moreover, a far greater and more mo- 
mentous loss — that of national existence — may depend 
upon victory or defeat. 

Hence the State has the greatest possible interest in 
maintaining her armies in the most effective condition ; 
and to neglect any of the means recognized by experi- 
ence as the best for attaining this purpose, would be not 
only a culpable, but might prove a fatal remissness. 
Among these means, there is no one which nations, 
obliged from their political condition to keep large armies 
on foot, regard as more important than that of securing 
a highly educated body of officers, whose instruction has 

* Act of Congress, August 3, 1861, Chap. 42, Sec. 8. 



232 History of West Point. 

been specially designed to qualify them for the perform- 
ance of the various duties pertaining to the organiza- 
tion and discipline of armies. The inquiry naturally 
presents itself, in what way can these agents be best 
obtained ? 

The solution of this question is one which has claimed 
the attention of every statesman and political economist 
in Europe and America. 

From the period of disbanding the army of the Revo- 
lution on the banks of the Hudson, in 1783, down to the 
present moment, three methods only have been suggest- 
ed. It has been urged that individual enterprise might 
accomplish the end desired; that independent State in- 
stitutions would fill the necessary requirement ; or that 
the central Government, under the provision "to provide 
for the common defence," was clothed with all the au- 
thority requisite to obtain the desired service. 

The enormous outlay required by an individual at- 
tempt, the failure to maintain any thing hke a system of 
disciphne, from the feeble tie which binds the pupil, and 
the insignificant pecuniary return when contrasted with 
other avocations, have produced, in all efforts of this 
kind, no fruit beyond affording relief to the otherwise 
sedentary habits of student life. 
— Nor have the State military institutions enjoyed the 
measure of success so ardently desired. In every State, 
when not locally endowed, they have drooped and lan- 
guished, revived and drooped again. From the diversity 
of discipline, from the unwillingness to submit to or the 
inability to maintain it, from the great expense, and 
from more lucrative attractions, all, save two or three, 
have failed to enjoy even an ordinary measure of pros- 



History of West Point. 233 

perity. And yet the opportunities for advancement in 
military life have ever remained open. 

The commissioned officers of the army are drawn from 
three sources : 1st, from ciAdl life ; 2d, from the rank 
and file ; and 3d, from the Cadets, who are warrant offi- 
cers of the army. 

The first are appointed without any previous military 
training, and without any specific examination as to their 
qualifications. 

The second are taken from the sergeants,* who have 
had some practical military training, subject to a pre- 
liminary examination on some of the very elementary 
branches of common school instruction. 

The thirds after four years' practical military instruc- 
tion, and after two half-yearly rigid examinations, upon 
branches of science and art connected with his profes- 
sional pursuits, acquires a claim to the commission only 
of the lowest grade. 

There are thus three doors open to army commis- 
sions, embracing all citizens of the proper military age, 
and no one in theory or practice excludes the others. 
The President of the United States alone is clothed with 
the power of selection and nomination from these classes 
— a power which, thus far in history, he has confined 
to no one of the three. How little the cadet excludes 
the citizen, or even his own military inferior, may be 

* "Sec. 5. — The President of the United States is authorized, by and with the ad- 
vice and consent of the Senate, to confer the brevet of second Ueutenant upon such 
meritorious non-commissioned officers as may be brought before an army board, 
composed of four officers of rank, specially convened for the purpose ; and if found 
qualified for the duties of commissioned officers, to attach them to regiments as 
supernumerary officers, according to the Act of April 29, 1812, entitled 'An Act 
making further provision for the Corps of Engineers,' Approved August 4, 
1854." 



234 History of West Point. 

shown from the fact, that vacancies have been repeatedly 
filled only a few days before the graduation of a class 
of cadets, which, had they been left open, the gradu- 
ates would in due course have filled. 

The average age of admission of the cadet is eighteen 
years ; he then enters the service at a period of life 
when the mind and the body are in the best condition to 
be moulded into any form. The State places him on 
active field service when his frame has become suffi- 
ciently matured to bear the wear and rough usage of 
military life, and thirty years of efficient service may 
be reasonably counted upon from him. The private 
citizen or sergeant, particularly the latter, as a general 
rule, is farther advanced in years ; and the cadet is 
therefore more likely to attain a responsible command 
when possessed of health and strength sufficient to 
endure its hardships and fatigue. 

For the staff. Engineers, Ordnance, and Artillery, high 
scientific attainments are indispensable ; and it is of the 
utmost importance to the efficiency of other arms, that 
a portion at least of its officers should be men of the 
same acquirements. These the Military Academy has 
hitherto supplied, and with a degree of economy which 
may well bear the closest examination. 

A recurrence to the remark in regard to the imputa- 
tion that undue preference has been shown for the 
wealthy, is made because the facts do not support the 
allegation. But it is by no means conceded, that where 
there are natural endowments and capacities of a high 
order, the possession of wealth would be a proper 
ground of exclusion from the Academy. It should be 
open to all. 



History of West Point. 235 

Admitting, for the moment, that the objections of ex- 
clusiveness, favoritism, and aristocracy are well founded, 
the question immediately occurs, how will these objec- 
tions be removed ? While the Academy exists, the 
rank of cadet is the lowest grade in the army ; if it be 
discontinued, the rank of second lieutenant will be the 
lowest. The change is simple and apparently unim- 
portant; the consequences are worthy of grave consid- 
eration. 

The annual average number of vacancies for ten 
years in the army, just previous to 1861, is 42; the 
average number of admissions to the Military Academy 
for the same period is 78. 

The opportunities, therefore, for entering the army, 
being represented by the ratio of 78 to 42, do not, most 
certainly, render appointments in it less exclusive. But 
it is said it will be more popular, because the vacancies 
will be filled by selections from the community at large. 
Do not the wealthy, and those possessing political influ- 
ence, constitute a part of the community ? and will not 
the appointing power have the same inducements for 
preferring their applications for lieutenants' commissions 
that he now has for preferring their applications for 
cadets' warrants ? Will not these applications be made 
through the representatives, and will there not be the 
same reasons for relying upon their recommendations ? 
How then will the opportunities for favoritism be les- 
sened ? On the other hand, the vacancies which annu- 
ally occur are now supplied by those graduates of the 
Academy who have acquired distinction by their con- 
duct and attainments, and are prepared to undertake 
the higher duties of their profession. 



236 History of West Point. 

Assuming that forty-two vacancies are to be filled 
each year from the mass of our citizens, there will be 
thus added to the army forty-two lieutenants to whom 
every branch of duty and service will be new, and who, 
after four years, instead of being familiar with the 
theory, science, and practice of war, will be very slightly 
and imperfectly acquainted with the two first, and only 
tolerably proficient in the last. And to accomplish this 
result, a considerable pecuniary expenditure must be 
made. 

The pay of the forty-two lieutenants for the four 
years will be 212,688 dollars ; that of the forty-two 
cadets for the same time, including every thing for their 
education, will be 60,480 dollars. The difference, 
152,208 dollars, is the amount the nation will be re- 
quired to pay for a change in the military establishment 
which will deprive it of its great ornaments of talent, 
learning, and skill, and effect a general deterioration in 
the character of the officers and the army. The mili- 
tary and scientific information diffused throughout the 
country by those who pass two or three years at the 
Academy, but do not complete the course, is considered 
in this estimate. But a fair equivalent for the expense 
of their education is, or may be found, in the employ- 
ment of their services in perfecting the discipline of the 
militia, and the construction of works of improvement. 
A comparison of the results of this change is quite as 
marked as the expense which would accompany it. In 
the one case, there stands a cadet graduate awaiting 
promotion, who has had four years of the very best kind 
of military instruction. His mind has been engaged in 
laborious study, affording him a large stock of profes- 



History of West Point. 237 

sional knowledge, and preparing a foundation for all the 
acquisition his advancement may call for. Not only 
this : he has been drilled in practical military exercises ; 
he has served as a soldier for years in the ranks, or as a 
sergeant or corporal ; and for a year he has often, if not 
during that whole period, served as a commissioned 
officer, performing on the field all the appropriate duties, 
as Engineers, Infantry, Light infantry. Cavalry, and 
Artillery, both mounted and on foot. 

He can readily drill a Battalion of Infimtry, a 
Battery of Artillery, or a Squadron of Cavalry, with 
promptitude and exactness. He can take in at a 
glance an offensive or defensive position, and can stake 
out and direct the construction of a field fortification, 
block-house, bridge, building, or roadway. On paper, he 
can delineate maps and plans, and explain the ma- 
noeuvres of Battalions, Brigades, Divisions, and Army 
Corps. He has spent nearly a year in actual field 
service, under tents, performing all the military duties 
incident thereto ; his mind invigorated by constant 
exercise ; his habits moulded by the observance of order 
and discipline to a prompt and cheerful execution of 
duty ; his moral character elevated by the practice of 
virtuous habits, and the honorable emulation in which 
he has participated ; while, from the class which con- 
tains him and his fellows, the idle, the stupid, the inca- 
pable, and the vicious, have, in the four years passed at 
the Academy, been thoroughly weeded out. 

Admitting that he has been taught theories and satu- 
rated with mathematics, and that the genius of Julius 
Caesar, Alexander the Great, and Napoleon, has not 
descended upon him ; can there be a doubt as to his 



238 History of AVest Point. 

superiority over one not thus instructed for appoint- 
ment into the army ? A citizen, after four years in the 
army, will be inferior even to what the cadet now is ; for 
his opportunities will have been less ; the stimulants by 
which the other was both urged and forced will be 
wanting ; and his mind and character will have passed 
the period when kindly nature could leave its deepest 

^ impress.* 

\ It was to meet the absurd allegations that the cadets 

were drawn from the wealthy classes in the country, or 
were principally sons of high functionaries under the 
government, that the Superintendent, in 1842,-j- insti- 
tuted a classification of the circumstances in life of the 
parents of the cadets ; and, to insure a faithful record, 
the cadets were separately required to make the neces- 
sary entries, under appropriate headings, without affix- 
ing names, — to the end that the information might not 
affect the social relations among the cadets themselves, 
or be traceable, even by authorities, to the individual 
who furnished it. In this way, upon the entry annually 
of each class of new cadets, the information contained 
in the table in the appendix has been obtained, and is 
herewith given for a period of twenty-two consecutive 
years. 

Equally derogatory with the charge of fixvoring the 
wealthy classes, and alike depreciative, is the oft- 
repeated declaration that the Military Academy is 
merely a " School of Art," and that it has never yet 
produced " a military genius" like Napoleon. Without 

* Report of the Chiof-Engineer, 1844. 

\ A similar document, giving the names and parentage of the cadets, was pub- 
lished by order of Congress in the spring gf 1830. 



History of West Point. 239 

enumerating the few great generals that the most mili- 
tary powers of ancient and modern times have fur- 
nished — powers which were almost always in a state of 
war, and Avhose military luminaries are so few that the 
number may be reckoned upon the fingers — it may be 
observed, that the province of the Academy is not to 
create genius, but to bring together the means of aiding 
its development and storing up its results for the benefit 
of less powerfully gifted or instructed minds. 

Schools are the great storehouses for gathering in all 
the detached germs of knowledge which would other- 
wise be lost ; for organizing, and systematizing, and dif- 
fusing them throughout the masses of society by means 
of the bodies of able men who, devoted to such objects, 
are naturally brought to concur to this end. From this 
point of view, the only true and fair one, the question 
may properly suggest itself, how does the Military Aca- 
demy compare with like institutions in fulfilling this 
object? As it is only by comparison that a correct 
judgment can be rendered upon the agency of the Aca- 
demy in accomplishing the end referred to, a brief 
reference to the results of the workings of other institu- 
tions becomes necessary. 

Besides our Colleges for preparing young men to 
enter with advantage upon their chosen professional 
career, there are many schools specially designed for 
prosecuting all the pursuits which require a higher order 
of elementary acquirement, as those for Theology, Law, 
Medicine, &c. Moreover, every one of these i3rofessions 
is, respectively, a practical school, where men are daily 
learning from each other. Our law courts, our hospi- 
tals, and our halls of legislation, are but so many schools 



240 History of West Point. 

of practical instruction for Oratory, Surgery, and States- 
manship. Bearing this in view, and starting back from 
a period fifty years ago, when the Military Academy 
was fairly organized, how many great lawyers, great 
orators, great physicians, and great statesmen, have 
stood forth pre-eminently, as men of commanding genius, 
from all those institutions, Avho have left an impress 
through the country of the period of their existence ? 
Neither their numbers nor their names are long enshrin- 
ed ; yet the world has moved on, and each has added his 
mite to the general stock of human knowledge, while 
the external marks of civilization have been more strik- 
ing within this period than for any like period of the 
world's history. 

Has the Military Academy, wdiich from its organiza- 
tion has labored under greater disadvantages than any 
of the institutions referred to, produced no fruits worthy 
of commendation during this period ? 

An appeal to its records will demonstrate, that it has 
diffused military science throughout the country, both 
by its teachings and through its pupils who have retired 
to civil life, the results of which were glaringly visible 
in the war of 1812, in the war with Mexico, and in the 
present contest for national supremacy. In all these, 
it contributed its quota to the diffusion of science, and 
through the industrial pursuits depending upon or 
springing out of them. It has girdled our extensive 
sea-coast with permanent fortifications, which will com- 
pare favorably with the most celebrated of like works 
in Europe ; it has aided in fathoming and mapping our 
harbors and lakes ; it has explored our rivers and territo- 
ries ; it gave its quota to the pioneers of civil engineer- 



History of West Point. 241 

ing ; its graduates mainly collected and organized the 
resources of the country in the Mexican war, and con- 
ducted them through a series of unparalleled triumphs ; 
while, in the present struggle for constitutional integri- 
ty, its graduates are not less entitled to praise, for the 
organization of the largest military force ever called 
into the field by a nation in the same space of time. 

These are the recorded results of the agencies ema- 
nating from the Military Academy, and it may be fairly 
claimed that the design of the Institution has not only 
been attained, by diffusing military knowledge and pro- 
viding officers conversant w^ith their ^professional duties, 
but, incidentally and directly, it has been of the great- 
est advantage to the public interests. — second alone to 
the military security of the nation. 

If it has thus far produced no "military genius," it 
has nevertheless furnished the means, without which 
genius would be to a great extent powerless to effect 
any great end, and equally helpless, without its intelli- 
gent agents, to accomplish momentous designs. 

The resignation of the graduates of the Military 
Academy at different periods has furnished another 
topic for animadversion ; and yet the period of service 
rendered by such as have separated from the army 
exceeds that rendered by those appointed from civil 
life, who have in like manner abandoned the profession. 

The average term of service of the graduates of the 
Academy, including the period of cadet life, who re- 
signed from 1802 to 1860, inclusive, was ten and a half 
years ; while the average term of service for the eleven 
years prior to 1861, was thirteen and a quarter years. 
The average term of service of those appointed from 



242 History of West Point. 

civil life in this latter period, was only seven and a half 
years.* 

The period of cadet life is properly included in esti- 
mating the service of resigned graduates, when it is re- 
membered that their time between the age of eighteen and 
twenty-two was given to the public, when young men 
in most of the callings of civil life are embarked upon 
the future professional career upon which their fortunes 
depend. And although the Government bears the 
expense of the cadet's education, the latter fits him spe- 
cially for the military profession alone, although it ena- 
bles him to take up advantageously and particularly the 
pursuit of civil engineering and scientific instruction. 
The act of resignation does not deprive the country of 
the acquirements of its citizen graduate ; he carries them 
with him, it is true, but they are for the greater part 
useless to him as an individual. It is so much capital 
locked up, or awaiting investment. It is on hand when- 
ever the Government may stand in need of it, and it is 
ready to yield to the former a far greater interest than 
if it had been employed in the much more contracted 
sphere, — to which the graduate would have been assigned 
had he remained in the army, — than the one he usually 
is found to have reached in civil life. 

Experience has shown that in every war in which the 
nation has been engaged since the Academy went into 
operation, most of the citizen graduates have been re- 
turned to the service with a rank superior to that en- 
joyed by those Avho have remained continuously in the 

* This period of eleven years is selected, because, at its commencement, every 
inducement was furnished, by the tide of emigration setting toward the newly- 
discovered gold region of California, to young men to embark in a career promis- 
ing wealth, reputation, and distinction. 



History of "West Point. 243 

army — a circumstance in itself of advantage to the 
country, however unfavorably it may operate on individ- 
uals, for the professional acquirements of most of the 
graduates are far beyond the military grades which most 
of them attain, until after many years of service during 
peace. In the latter state it is no unfrequent thing to 
find lieutenants of ten or fifteen years' standing, and cap- 
tains of over twenty, all of whom possess acquirements 
and experience, after very few years' service, fitting them 
for the superior grades of field officers. The war with 
Mexico and the present contest furnish abundant exam- 
ples of this kind. 



244 History of West Point. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Law of Congress Regulating the Appointment of Cadets. — 
Suspension of the Board of Visitors. — Pay of the Cadets 
Increased. — Major Delafield Succeeded by Captain Brewer- 
ton AS Superintendent, — Reappointment of the Board of 
Visitors. — Teachers Discontinued by Professorships. — Pros- 
perity OF the Academy. — Demolition of. the Old Barracks 
AND Erection of New. — Captain Brewerton Succeeded by 
Colonel Lee as Superintendent. — Extension of the Term of 
Study from Four to Five Years. — Major Barnard and Col- 
onel Delafield Succeed as Superintendents. — Continued Im- 
provements. — Establishment of Local Rank of the Superin- 
tendent AND THE Commandant of Cadets. — Return from a 
Five to a Four Years' Course of Study. — Academic Board 
not Sustained. — A Commission from both Houses of Congress 
Examine into the Institution. — Major Beauregard and Major 
Bowman Succeed as Superintendents. — Loyalty of the Cadets. 
— Description of the Public Buildings. 

The custom which had so long prevailed of appointing 
one cadet from each Congressional district, was, on 
March 1, 1843, made a law by Congress, with the con- 
dition affixed, that each cadet so appointed should be 
an actual resident of the District, State, or Territory from 
which the appointment purported to be made ; and thus 
the number of cadets was limited to the number of mem- 
bers of the House of Representatives. But as the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and the Army and Navy were not repre- 
sented, the President was empowered to appoint one 
cadet from the former and ten cadets " at large ;" the 
latter to be annually selected by the President from the 



History of West Point. 245 

Army or Navy, or any other quarter at his option, Avith- 
out being confined to Congressional districts. 

Tlie same act declared, that in future a " Board of 
Visitors" should not be aj^pointed, unless otherwise or- 
dered by Congress. 

Thus far the monthly pay of the cadets, as fixed by 
the law of 1802, was sixteen dollars and two rations, 
being altogether valued at twenty-eight dollars ; but on 
March 3, 1845, Congress enacted, that in lieu of the pay 
and rations before allowed, each cadet should receive 
twenty-four dollars per month, and no more. 

Major Delafield was succeeded on August 15, 1845, 
by Captain Henry Brewerton, of the Corps of Engineers. 
The spirit for improvement which marked the career of 
this officer as Superintendent, and the faithful discharge 
of all the duties enjoined upon him, or exacted by him 
from others, have left their impress upon the Military 
Academy. 

The erection of the spacious Barracks and Mess-Hall, 
the grading of the surface of the Plain, the iron fences, 
the South Wharf, with the road leading thereto, the road 
leading southward to Cozzens' Hotel, the enlargement 
of the supply of water, and the erection of several cot- 
tages, for the accommodation of the officers and their 
families, had their origin during the administration of 
Captain Brewerton. 

By the Act of May 15, 1846, a company of Engineer 
soldiers was raised, and assigned, among other duties, to 
aid in conveying practical instruction in engineering to 
the cadets at the Military Academy. 

The outbreak of the war with Mexico having greatly 

increased the interest of the public in the necessity for 
17 



246 History of West Point. 

and importance of the Institution, on August 8, of the 
same year, Congress authorized the appointment annu- 
ally of a Board of Visitors, whose duty it was made to 
attend each yearly examination, and report to the Sec- 
retary of War upon the discipline, instruction, police, 
and fiscal affairs of the Academy. The members of the 
Board were to be selected by the President, and taken 
from one-half of the number of States, alternating yearly 
with the other half, each member being a hona fide resi- 
dent of the State from whence appointed, and each Con- 
gressional district being in turn designated to furnish 
the appointee. 

The same act declared that the teachers of French 
and Drawing should henceforth be entitled Professors 
in their respective departments, and subsequent laws 
placed them upon the same footing with regard to pay, 
and an Assistant, as all the other Professors. 

The brilliant success of the American army in Mexico, 
untarnished by a single defeat, or doubtful action, fur- 
nished the nation with ample proof of the wisdom of 
Knox, Hamilton, McHenry, Huntingdon, Pickering, 
Washington, and Madison, in their efforts to establish a 
Military Academy wherein officers might be educated 
and trained to organize and discipline citizen soldiers, 
and lead them to victory ; — while a network of railways, 
and innumerable public edifices, fortifications, light- 
houses, and harbor improvements bear witness to an 
educational course of incalculable value in periods of 
peace and prosperity. 

When the conflicting voices of partisan spirits are 
hushed, and the rancorous jealousies of envious and 
malignant disputants are consigned to oblivion, posterity 



History of West Point. 247 

will gaze upon the pile of strange-looking artillery, and 
still stranger looking tattered flags, and their mutilated 
flag-staffs, deposited at the Military Academy in 1849, 
and read above them, in characters penned by the great 
soldier whose qualifications and position, as the Com- 
manding General of that army, gave him a right to pro- 
nounce an opinion ; * * * " A.s under Providence it is 
mainly to the Military Academy that the United States 
became indebted for those brilliant achievements, and 
other memorable victories in the same war, I have a 
lively pleasure in tendering the seven trophies [semi- 
national] to the mother of so many accomplished soldiers 
and patriots." * * * Posterity may then realize, diffi- 
cult as it may now seem, that these trophies are monu- 
ments to professional soldiers, who had no loftier incen- 
tive to action than duty to their country and the Institu- 
tion which nourished them. 

The close of the year 1849 found the Military Acad- 
emy in the full tide of usefulness and prosperity. At no 
time in its history had the institution stood higher in the 
estimation of the National Legislature. Its require- 
ments were carefully studied, and its wants fully sup- 
plied. 

On August 28, the western portion of the New Bar- 
racks, commenced in 1845, was first occupied by the 
cadets, the South Barracks having undergone demolition 
during the summer of 1850. One year later (August, 28, 
1851), witnessed the completion and occupation of the 
whole edifice, and the removal of the North Barracks. 
The old Mess-Hall was demolished, and the New Hall 
occupied in the summer of 1852. 

Captain Brewerton was succeeded, on September 1, 



248 History of West Point. 

1852, by Captain and Brevet-Colonel Robert E. Lee, 
Corps of Engineers, as Superintendent, under whose 
administration the course of study, by direction of 
the Secretary of War, was on August 28, 1854, ex- 
tended so as to embrace a term of five years at the 
Academy. 

This change was made upon the repeated and urgent 
recommendation of the Boards of Visitors, w^ho had in 
preceding years reported upon the comprehensive range 
of subjects taught at the institution, and who had dwelt 
with much earnestness upon the necessity of an enlarge- 
ment of the course of English studies, so as to admit of 
the introduction of Declamation, Military Law, &c., as 
well as to permit, in several of the departments, field in- 
struction of a practical character. 

As the cadets were bound to serve for the period of 
eight years, unless sooner discharged, this change was 
wholly within the power of the Secretary of War, who 
directed the class which entered in June, 1854, to be 
divided, according to the age of the members, into two 
equal portions ; the youngest portion to remain and com- 
plete the curriculum of study, in accordance with the 
new programme for a five years' course. 

The new arrangement went into operation under the 
most favorable auspices, and for a time bid fair to ac- 
complish all that its ardent advocates had predicted. 
The amplest facilities were afi'orded the cadets to acquire 
practical instruction in the erection of pontoon bridges, 
field fortifications, duty of sappers and miners, topo- 
graphical drawing and sketching, and in other depart- 
ments of study ; while the completion of the new Riding- 
Hall in November, 1855, greatly increased the opportu- 



History of West Point. 249 

nities for cavalry exercises, and excited additional in- 
terest in this department. 

Colonel Lee having been promoted to the cavalry arm 
of the service, and thereby by law incapacitated from 
exercising superintendence at the Military Academy, he 
was succeeded on April 1, 1855, by Captain and Brevet- 
Major Jonathan G. Barnard, Corps of Engineers, as 
Superintendent, whose term of service might have been 
indefinitely extended with advantage to the institu- 
tion; but on September 8, 1856, Major Barnard was re- 
lieved by the appointment of Major Richard Delafield, 
Corps of Engineers, as Superintendent for the second 
time. 

The erection of the bell and clock-tower on the Acad- 
emy, the completion of the gas-works for lighting the 
public buildings on the Post, the restoration of the old 
relic of the Revolution, Fort Clinton, and the enlarge- 
ment and erection of additional accommodations for the 
families of the officers and professors, demonstrated the 
possession still of the energy which had before marked 
Major Delafield's career. 

By the Act of February 16, 1857, Congress enacted 
that there should be, in addition to the professors author- 
ized by existing laws, a Professor of Spanish, who was 
placed upon the same footing as the other Professors ; 
and later, in the department thus created, Patrice De 
Janon was appointed Professor. 

On March 3, 1857, the monthly pay of each cadet 
was raised from twenty-four to thirty dollars ; and on 
June 12, 1858, Congress further provided that the 
Superintendent of the Military Academy should be 
appointed by the President of the United States, with 



250 History of West Point. 

the local rank, the pay, and the allowances, while acting 
in this capacity, of a Colonel of Engineers. 

The same act declared that the Commandant of the 
Corps of Cadets, w^hile serving as such by appoint- 
ment of the President, should have the local rank, pay, 
and allowances of a Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers, and 
be charged with the instruction of the cadets in the 
Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry branches of the army. 
By this law the practice, w^hich had found favor hereto- 
fore, of appointing officers from these arms of the ser- 
vice respectively, to serve as instructors to the cadets, 
was virtually ignored. 

On October 11, 1858, the course of study, before 
prescribed for five years, was abruptly changed by the 
Secretary of War back to four years ; and on April 5, 
1859, the course was again changed by the same author- 
ity from four back to five years. The indecision thus 
displayed, and the confusion arising from reversing the 
decisions, at Washington, of the Academic Board, and 
disregarding their recommendations, were among the 
lesser evils W'hich pervaded every department of the 
Government, and w^ere preliminary to still more disas- 
trous management on the part of those who controlled 
the nation. 

On June 21, 1860, Congress organized a Commission, 
to consist of two senators, two representatives, and two 
army officers, to examine into the organization, disci- 
pline, and course of instruction at the Military Aca- 
demy, with a view to ascertain what changes, if any, 
were desirable to enable the Institution to accomplish in 
the best possible manner the object of its establishment. 

This Commission, consisting of Jeff'erson Davis, Chair- 



History of West Point. 251 

man^ and Solomon Foot, of the Senate, John Cochrane 
and H. Winter Davis, of the House of Representatives, 
Major Robert Anderson and Captain A. A. Humphreys, 
of the United States Army, with a Recording Secretary, 
met at West Point on July 17, and after a session of 
more than seven weeks, adjourned to meet at the city 
of Washington, November 28, 1860. 

On December 13 following, the Commission submitted 
to Congress a report"^ of three hundred and fifty pages of 
closely printed matter, in which they recommended an 
entire reorganization of the Academy. An Act was 
introduced for this purpose, but owing to the excited 
state of public affairs, or other causes, no action was 
taken upon the subject. 

On January 23, 1861, Major Delafield was relieved by 
the appointment of Captain and Brevet-Major Peter G. 
T. Beauregard, Corps of Engineers, as Superintendent. 
Five days after this officer entered upon his duties, 
an order from the Secretary of War directed him to 
transfer back to Major Delafield the command at West 
Point; and on March 1, 1861, the latter was succeeded 
by Major Alexander XL Bowman, Corps of Engineers, 
as Superintendent, who is yet present. 

The outbreak of the civil war was the signal for a 
number of the cadets who were appointed from the 
Southern States, influenced by family ties, tempting of- 
fers of position, and the examples in Congress, to tender 
their resignations and repair to their homes, in disregard 
of the sworn articles previously signed by them to serve 
faithfully the Government of the United States. 

As many published accounts, more or less incorrect, 

*XXXVI. Cong., 2d Session, Mis. Doc. No. 3. 



252 History of West Point. 

have gone forth relative to the changes which occurred 
at this time, the following statement has been carefully 
prepared and may be regarded as authentic : 

The total number of Cadets present at the Acad- 
emy on November 1, 1860, was 278 

Of this number, there were appointed from the 
Southern States 86 

Of the number thus appointed, there were dis- 
charged, dismissed, or resigned, from causes con- 
nected with the civil war 65 

Leaving at the Academy to prosecute their studies, 
from the Southern States 21 

These changes failed in the slightest degree to affect 
the organization of the Institution, or seriously to im- 
pair its code of discipline : a return, however, from the 
five back to the old four years' programme of instruction 
was a measure w^hich experience dictated, and which 
the Secretary of War sanctioned in July, 1861. By the 
Act of Congress dated August 3, same year, the oath 
of allegiance to be administered to all cadets present, 
and to those appointed in future, was so amended as to 
abjure all allegiance, sovereignty, or fealty conceived 
to be due any State, County, or Country whatsoever, 
and further required unqualified support to the Consti- 
tution and the National Government. The same act 
secured the Academy from the repetition of an evil 
against which it had long struggled, and which, if un- 
checked, would have destroyed its vitality if not its 
existence. 

Section 8th declared that no Cadet, after having been 
pronounced deficient in conduct or studies, and recom- 



History of West Point. 253 

mended for discharge, should be returned to the Acad- 
emy except upon the recommendation of the Academic 
Board; nor should any cadet be reappointed, or appointed 
into the army, while his class yet remained at the Acad- 
emy, except upon a like recommendation. The effect of 
this legislative enactment has been to produce a marked 
change, accompanied by the happiest results, in regard 
to the studious habits of the several classes at the 
Academy. 

The Act of July 2, 1862, prescribing the "Oath of 
Office," even more comprehensive in its requirements, 
has been substituted for the one already referred to, 
and is now administered to all cadets entering the 
Institution. 

Bills for enlarging the number of cadets at the Mili- 
tary Academy, by permitting each senator in Congress 
to appoint one cadet, as well as the attempt made to fill 
the vacancies from the portions of seceded States not 
represented, have been only partially successful. 

A brief description of the public buildings, past and 
present, comes within the design of this work, and may 
be here appropriately introduced. 

The only buildings of Bevolutionary origin yet in 
existence are, the first wooden cottage north of the 
Hospital, and the first wooden cottage south of the 
Superintendent's quarters. In 1780-82, the former 
stood directly south of the present Chapel, and was 
afterwards known as "North's," and then as "Gridley's" 
Tavern. A piazza has been added to it in later years. 

As already mentioned, the "Long Barracks" of the 
Revolution stood near the site of the present Hotel, 
and was destroyed by fire on December 26, 1827. 



/ 



254 



History of West Point. 




_i^\i\° h m [^ i'll^ iL^ ^' 




TUE SOUTH IJAllHACKS. (L,„,kiii._- 

Erected, in ISlo , Demoliaheii, in 186U. 



This wooden two-storied building fronted south, with 
a piazza to each story, and in it the cadets were quar- 
tered until the completion of the South Barracks, in 
1815. The latter, together with the Mess-Hall and 
the Academy, occupied an east and west line directly in 
front of the present Cadet Barracks. 

The South Barracks, constructed of stone, stuccoed, 
consisted of a central building, 128x25x35 feet, ter- 
minated at each end by two wings, each 25x43x35 
feet. The former contained fifty rooms, forty-eight of 
which were 13x10 feet, and two 20x26 feetj these 




THE NOUTII BARRACKS. (Looking Northeast.) 
KreeteJ, in ItjH ; Demolished, iu 1861. 



History of West Point. 



255 



large central rooms were originally stairways by which 
access w^as had to the North and South piazzas, and 
thereby to the rooms without any other connection. 
The twelve rooms in the wings were used as offices and 
officers' quarters. The building was demolished in the 
summer of 1850. 

The North Barracks, four stories high, 164x56x45 
feet, was built of stone, and placed at a right angle with 
the South Barracks, less than 100 feet distant from the 
northeastern corner of the latter. It was completed in 
1817, and contained forty rooms 25x19 feet. It was 
demolished in July, 1851. 




THE ACADEMY. (Looking Southeast.) 
Erected, 1815; Destroyed by Fire, Feb. 19th, 1838. 

The Academy, next west of the South Barracks, was 
a stone building, two stories high, completed in 1815, 
having on its first floor, in the centre, a room used as a 
chapel ; the Chemical Laboratory adjoined on the west, 
and the Engineering Room on the east. The Library 
was above the Chapel, the Philosophical Department 
above the Laboratory, and the Adjutant's Office above 
the Engineering Department. It was destroyed by fire 
on February 19th, 1838. 



256 History of West Point. 

The Mess-Hall, next west of the Academy, was also 
completed in 1815, two stories high, built of stone, and 
stuccoed, 144 x 30 feet. The Cadets occupied both the 
upper and lower floors for mess purposes, the steward 
residing in the western end. A kitchen was attached 
in rear, 46 x 25 feet. It was entirely demolished in the 
summer of 1852. 




■mE MESS-HALL. (Looking Southwest.) 
Erected, ISIS; Demolished, 1S52. 



The Hospital for Cadets, built in 1830, 131 x 40 feet, 
is a stone building of two stories and a basement. In 
the centre are twelve wards for the sick, and a dispen- 
sary. The wings are occupied as quarters by the 
surgeon and assistant-surgeon, the basement of the main 
building furnishing similar accommodations for the at- 
tendants. 

The Band Barracks, built in 1829, 108x52 feet, is a 
wooden structure, one and a half stories high, containing 
twenty-two rooms; another building adjacent, 53x43 
feet, also two stories, contains ten rooms. The Band 
and their families and the Field Music occupy both 
buildings. 

The Hotel, also built in 1829, is a stone building, 
stuccoed, 50x60 feet, and contains sixty-four rooms. 



History of West Point, 



257 



It was built chiefly from the proceeds of the sale of 
wood cut from the public lauds, and cost about $18,000. 




THE VEST POINT HOTEL (Looking Northeast) 



A wing three stories high, 62 x 29, of brick, correspond- 
ing with the main building, was added in 1850. 




THE CIIAPEIm (North Front.) 

The Chapel, a stone structure* west of the Library, 

* 400 feet north of tlie north face of the Chapel, a red sandstone bench level 
is planted in the ground. 

The surface of this stone is above low-water mark , . . 157 feet. 
The northeast angle of Fort Putnam above the stone . 338 feet. 



Height of Fort Putnam above low-water mark . 



495 feet. 



258 



History of West Point. 



83 X 54 feet, was built in 1836. It is fitted with pews, 
&c., for Church service. 

The Academy, fronting east, and situated directly 
west of the Chapel, was erected in 1838. It is a stone 
edifice, with red sandstone pilasters, 275x75 feet, and 
three stories high. In the first story, at the south end, 
is the Chemical Department, consisting of the Laboratory 
proper, a lecture-room, a room for electrical experi- 
ments, and a work-room : these four rooms are each 
about thirty-six feet square. The Fencing Department, 
75 X 38 feet, occupies the north end of the first story, 
whUe the central portion contains a large gymnasium, 
and a room for courts-martial, committees, &c. In the 
second story, the Cabinet of Minerals and Fossils is over 
the Chemical Department, and over the Fencing is the 
Engineering Academy, of the same size as the former, 
to which are attached two Engineering model-rooms, 




TUB ACADE 



each 46 x 22 feet. On the same story are seven recita- 
tion-rooms, 24 X 22 feet. In the third story, over the 
Cabinet of Minerals, is the Artillery Model-Room, 75 X 



History of West Point. 



259 



38 feet ; the Mineralogical Recitation-Room, the Geo- 
graphical Room, the Mathematical Model-Room; and 
over the Engineering Academy is the Drawing Academy, 
of the same size. To the latter are attached the Picture 
Gallery and Gallery of Sculpture, each 70 X 22 feet. On 
this story are likewise three rooms used for recitations, 
which, with four store-rooms, complete the interior of the 
building. The clock occupies a tower on the northwest 
angle of the building. 

The original cost of the building was $68,254. 




THE OBSERVATORY AND LIBRARY. (Looking Soulhuast) 



The Observatory and Library, on the southeast 
corner of the Plain, was erected in 1841. It is a stone 
structure, 160 feet front and 78 in depth, castellated 
and corniced with red sandstone, in the Elizabethan 
style. 

The east wing contains the Library, forty-six feet 
square and thirty-one feet high ; it contains 20,000 vol- 
umes. The offices of the Superintendent, Adjutant, 
Quartermaster, and Treasurer of the Academy occupy 
the first floor of the west wing; while above them are the 



260 



History of West Poixt. 








History of West Point. 2bl 

Lecture Hall and apparatus of the Philosophical Depart- 
ment. The Equatorial Telescope, in a circular dome 
twenty-seven feet in diameter, surmounts the whole, the 
transit instrument being in the northeast tower, while 
the Mural Circle occupies a similar tower in the north- 
west angle. 

The original cost of the building was $50,216. 

The Ordnance and Artillery Laboratory, on the north 
side of the Plain, was erected in 1840, and consists of 
three two-story stone buildings, used for fabrication of 
ammunition, repairing, &c. ; all within a stone-enclosed 
yard, containing, besides, shelter for Field Batteries. 

Two stone buildings, 155x23 feet, and 75x23 feet, 
lower down, formerly used as stables, now serve as a 
storehouse, and for the Gas-Works. 

The Cadets' Barrack, on the south side of the Plain, 
four stories high, was completed in 1851. It constitutes 
the most imposing structure at the Institution. It is 
built of stone, with fire-proof rooms, castellated and cor- 
niced with red sandstone, in the Elizabethan style. The 
building is 360 X 60 feet, with a wing extending in rear 
of the west tower, 100 X 60 feet. It contains 176 rooms, 
of which 136 are Cadets' quarters, 14 X 22 feet, arranged 
in eight divisions, without interior communications. The 
West Tower and the adjacent division are at present 
used as officers' quarters. The basement contains a 
l^rofusion of bathing-rooms, the necessary apparatus for 
heating the whole building, and quarters for the em- 
ployes. The large Hall in the centre, over the sally- 
port, is appropriated to the Dialectic Society. 

The original cost of the building was $186,000. 

The Mess-Hall, built of stone, in 1852, stands 
18 



262 



History of West Point. 



directly south of the Academy, fronting east, and is 170 
feet front by 62 feet in depth. It is one of the struc- 
tures which command general admiration for their sym- 
metry and beautiful proportions. It comprises a Cen- 
tral Hall, 96 X 46 feet, and 20 feet high, which is the 




cadets' MESS-UALL. (Looking Southweot.) 



mess-room for all the cadets. The north wing affords 
quarters for the Purveyor, and that on the south is 
used for mess-rooms for the officers attached to the 
Academy. A kitchen and bakery in rear, and quarters 
for the employes in the basement, compose the re- 
mainder of the building. Its original cost was $43,187. 

The Cavalry Stables, built of brick, in 1854, occupy 
a plateau southeast of the Library, extending 301 X 38 
feet along the bank of the Hudson, with a wing extend- 
ing west from the south end, 109 X 38 feet. The 
whole building is built upon the most approved princi- 
ples, containing stalls for 100 horses, and cost $20,468. 

A few yards south of the stables stands the Riding- 
Hall, 218 X 78 feet, built of stone, in 1855, and spanned 



History of West Point. 263 

by a single curved roof. It is the largest building in 
the United States for equestrian exercises, and cost 
^22,000. 

The Cavalry Barracks, 57x41 feet, occupy a posi- 
tion on the northwest slope of the Plain, and are two 
stories high, built in 1857, of brick, w^ith a stone base- 
ment, at a cost of $6,500. 

The Artillery Barracks, 46x40 feet, standing be- 
side the former, are also two stories high, of brick, with 
a stone basement; built in 1858, at an expense of $6,500. 
Both barracks front east, and each contains ample ac- 
commodations, kitchens, &c., for a full company of 
soldiers. 

Farther on to the northwest, near the ceded district 
line, stand the Engineer Barracks, fronting north, 
100x43 feet, built in 1858, of brick, two stories high, 
with a stone basement. Besides officers' quarters in the 
east end, it contains kitchens and accommodations for 
one hundred men. Its original cost exceeded $10,000. 

In front of these barracks, and near the water's edge, 
stands the building, 154x54 feet, for the army pon- 
toon trains, built of brick. 

The Powder Magazine, a fire-proof brick building, 
100x25 feet, stands directly in rear of the Engineer 
Barracks, and is one of the oldest buildings on the 
Post. 

Stretching farther away to the northwest, is a row 
of nine small double wooden cottages, erected in 1837, 
for the accommodation of the families of the non-com- 
missioned officers, and of laundresses for the cadets. 

The Hospital for Soldiers, 50x28 feet, near the 
Cavalry Barracks, is a two-story brick building, with a 



264 History of West Point. 

basement; erected in 1851, at an expense of $5,530, and 
contains 4 wards, a dispensary, kitchen, &c., &c.. 

Of the brick dwellings situated on the west side of 
the Plain, the one nearest the Cadets' Barrack was built 
in- 1816 ; the second, northward, in 1829 ; the third and 
fifth, in 1816; the fourth, in 1858; the sixth, seventh, 
and eighth, in 1821; and the ninth, in 1857. 

Of the three double stone dwellings overlooking the 
north crest of the Plain, the one farthest west was 
erected in 1821, and the other two in 1826 and 1828. 

The buildings and dwellings described, with twenty- 
two smaller ones of the latter class, the Soldiers' Church, 
and six guardhouses, storehouses, workshops, &c., con- 
stitute all that are now in existence, and compose the 
Military Post at West Point.* 

* The Area of the Plain at West Point, bounded by the Carriage road passing 
the Superintendent's quarters, the Cadet Barracks, and around Fort Clinton, is 
41^ acres. The distance around the Plain measured on the Carriage road men- 
tioned, is 1 mile 26 feet. 

Ferry route from West Point to Cold Spring 2,318 yards. 

Ferry route from West Point to Foundry Wharf 1,946 " 

Width of the Hudson River in front of Chain Battery to Con- 
stitution Island 566 " 

Tric?</« o/ <Ae JETwc/sora iZivernear South Wharf, to Garrison's . . 784 " 

Measured on the Ice, December 80, 1863. 



History of West Point. 265 



CHAPTER Xy. 

Appointment of Cadets. — The Qualifications Necessary. — Ad- 
mission INTO THE Academy. — Instruction and Examination of 
THE Candidates. — Outfit Procured for the New Cadet. — 
Classification and System of Military Instruction. — Aca- 
demic Instruction. — Arrangement into Classes and Sections. 
— Programme for the Employment of Time. — Thoroughness in 
Learning and Teaching. — Importance of the Conduct-Roll. 
— Successful Workings op the System. — Discipline among 
the Cadets. — Determination of Class-Rank, and its Impor- 
tance. — Proportion of Graduates to the Number of Cadets 
Admitted. — Services of the Graduates. 

As frequent inquiries are made in regard to the 
appointment and admission of cadets into the Mili- 
tary Academy, the necessary information is herewith 
appended. 

By provision of law, each Congressional and Territo- 
rial district and the District of Columbia is entitled to 
one cadet and no more. 

Appointments from the first two are made on the 
nomination to the Secretary of War by the Representa- 
tive in Congress from the district in which he and the 
applicant are actual residents. 

Application for appointment may be made direct to 
the Secretary of War by the candidate himself, his 
parent, guardian, or any of his friends ; and the name 
thus presented will be enrolled at the War Department. 
No preference will be given to applications on account 



266 History of West Point. 

of priority ; nor will any application be enrolled, when 
the candidate is under or over the prescribed age. The 
precise age must be given ; and no relaxation of the 
qualifications appended will be entertained or permitted. 
The fixed residence of the applicant, and the number of 
the Congressional district in which his home is situated, 
must be set forth in the application. However large 
the number of applications from any district, it is gene- 
rally understood that the appointee is selected at the 
instance of the Representative in Congress. The Presi- 
dent of the United States is authorized by law, every 
year, to appoint ten cadets in addition to the foregoing, 
selected according to his own will and pleasure, and 
entirely independent of Congressional districts. 

The appointments are usually made public in the 
months of February or March, from the applications 
made within the preceding year. No information can 
be given as to the probable success of an applicant, 
before the arrival of the period of making the selections. 
Persons, therefore, making applications, must not expect 
to receive information on this point. 

the qualifications. 

Candidates must be over sixteen and under twenty- 
one years of age at the time of entrance into the Military 
Academy ; must be at least five feet in height, and 
free from any deformity, disease, or infirmity, which 
would render them unfit for the military service, and 
from any disorder of an infectious or immoral character. 
They must be able to read and write well, and perform 
with facility and accuracy the various operations of the 
four ground rules of Arithmetic, of Reduction, of simple 



History of West Point. 267 

and compound Proportion, and of vulgar and decimal 
Fractions. 

It must be understood that a full compliance with the 
above conditions will be insisted on : — that is to say — 
the candidate must write in a fair and legible hand, and 
without any material mistakes in spelling, such sen- 
tences as shall be dictated by the examiners ; and he 
must answer promptly, and without errors, all their 
questions in the above-mentioned rules of Arithmetic : 
— failing in any of these particulars, he will be rejected. 

It must be also understood that every candidate will, 
soon after his arrival at West Point, be subjected to a 
rigid examination by an experienced Medical Board ; and 
should there be found to exist in him any causes of dis- 
qualification, to such a degree as will immediately, or 
in all probability may, at no very distant period, impair 
his efficiency, he will be rejected. 

Furnished with his official appointment, each new 
cadet is required to report in person to the Superinten- 
dent of the Military Academy at West Point, between 
the first and twentieth days of June ; but if sickness or 
other unavoidable cause prevents this, he may report on 
the 28th day of August. 

No admissions into the Military Academy are 
allowed, save at these two periods. 

After the arrival and necessary enrolment of the new 
cadet, he is at once inducted into the preliminary drill, 
daily, of the School of the Soldier, and instructed in all 
the subjects upon w^hich he is soon to be examined for 
admission. It is, therefore, an advantage to the new 
cadet to be punctual in reaching the Academy on the 
first of June. 



268 History of West Point. 

The examination of the candidates commences on the 
twenty-first of June, and is conducted in the presence of 
the whole Academic Board. The examination is strict, 
but it is by no means a fearful ordeal, from the few 
requirements demanded ; and usually the number 
rejected does not exceed half a dozen. 

The new cadet is ranked, from the first day of July, 
as a member of the lowest, or fourth class. From this 
date his pay of $30 per month, allowed him by the 
Government, commences. As this sum is small, com- 
pared with the expenses of the new uniform and outfit, 
it is decidedly advantageous for the new cadet to bring 
with him, and deposit with the Treasurer, to be credited 
on his account, a sum not exceeding $00 or $80 (dollars). 
Henceforth all wants and necessaries are supplied the 
new cadet by the Government, the prices of which are 
regulated at a trifle above cost, and charged to the 
account of the cadet, while every month he is credited 
with $30 (dollars). At the termination of his cadet 
career a balance is struck, and whatever amount is in 
his favor is paid over to him. A careful and economi- 
cal cadet may thus secure a position, his education, the 
necessary supplies of cadet life, and a sum which seldom 
exceeds one hundred dollars at the time of his gradua- 
tion. Very few attain the last sum mentioned. 

No payments in full of balances due are made except 
at the final departure of the cadet, and no moneyed 
transactions with the cadets are permitted. 

For the purposes of MUitary instruction, the cadets, 
every year after the close of the June examination, 
leave the barracks, and are encamped in tents up(m the 
Plain during the months of July and August, under all 



History of West Point. 269 

the regulations, discipline, and police of an army in the 
field. Their organization varies while undergoing in- 
struction in the particular arms of the service, but the 
permanent organization is that of a Battalion of In- 
fantry, composed of four Companies. 

In these companies the four Academic classes are 
indiscriminately mixed. Each company has its Cap- 
tain, three Lieutenants, four Sergeants, and four Cor- 
porals. The Battalion Staff comprises an Adjutant, 
SergeantMajor, Quartermaster, and Quartermaster's 
Sergeant. All the remaining cadets serve in the ranks 
as soldiers, though required to act as officers at stated 
times. 

The first class furnishes the commissioned officers ; 
the SECOND class, the Sergeants; and the third class, the 
Corporals. 

These appointments are annually made by the Super- 
intendent, and are regarded as honorable distinctions. 
Each company is further supervised by an officer of the 
army, detailed for that purpose, and the whole is com- 
manded by an army officer, who is ranked as Comman- 
dant of Cadets. 

Strict military etiquette is obserA^ed towards the ca- 
det officers by the other cadets on duty. The Captains 
and Lieutenants serve their tours of guard duty, accord- 
ing to the Army Regulations. 

The ranking Cadet Captain is Superintendent of the 
Mess-Hall. He marches the battalion to and from meals, 
preserves order, and enforces obedience to the mess 
regulations. For the purposes of meals, the cadets are 
assigned by companies to tables, at which they are seat- 
ed by command, and they leave in a body by the same 



270 History of West Point. 

means. Generally, a cadet officer is charged with the 
preservation of good order at his particular table. 

Upon the faithfulness of these officers much of the 
discipline depends, and the degree of faithfulness is pro- 
l^ortioned to the military sj)irit of the corps. 

Their duties are strictly defined, and an undue exer- 
cise of authority, or a captious and domineering manner, 
is restrained by what may be termed the public opinion 
of the corps. The cadet officers never act as spies. 
Treacherous information is despised and unknown among 
them. When not on duty, there is no distinction be- 
tween them and the other cadets; but on all other occa- 
sions the distinction is well understood and properly 
maintained. 

The cadet privates perform in rotation the duties of 
Sentinels and Guards, night and day, through the en- 
campment ; but only at meals, or during the hours allot- 
ted to study in the evening, and on Sundays, when in 
barracks. 

They are drilled daily from the 15th of March until 
the 1st of November, except on Saturday and Sunday, 
and several times each day during the encainj)ment, as 
Artillery or Infantry, the cavalry exercises being con- 
tinuous nearly the entire year. 

All are thus taught practically the use of the rifled 
musket, the field-piece, mortar, siege and sea-coast guns, 
small-sword, and the bayonet, as well as the construc- 
tion of field-works, and the fabrication of all munitions 
and materiel of war. 

Throughout the whole year, when the weather per- 
mits, guard-mounting at half-past seven a. m., and even- 
ing dress parade at sunset, accompanied by the Band, 



History of West Point. 271 

are imposing and pleasing spectacles which break the 
monotony of cadet life. 

For the purpose of Academic instruction, the cadets 
break up the encampment at the end of August and re- 
turn to barracks, where the remaining nine months of 
the year are passed in prosecuting their studies in their 
respective classes. This period is divided into two 
terms : the first extending from September 1st to Jan- 
uary 2d, when the semi-annual examination commences; 
the second follows the close of the latter, and terminates 
May 31st. 

Instruction is conveyed by the Professors and the 
principal Instructors, who, with the Superintendent as 
presiding officer, constitute the Academic Board. To 
aid this body, as many officers are detailed as assistants 
from the army, by the Secretary of War, as the wants 
of the Institution require. 

The Academic Board is charged with the general direc- 
tion of studies, under a programme api^roved by the Sec- 
retary of War, with the selection of text-books, maps, 
models, and apparatus, and finally decides the merit 
of each cadet in every branch of study at the several 
examinations. 

In this latter duty, the Assistant Professor of each 
department, and the immediate teacher of each cadet, 
are also temporarily members of the Board. The classes 
of cadets are numerically arranged into the first, second, 
THIRD, and fourth classes, corresponding to the Senior, 
Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman classes of other Colle- 
giate Institutions. 

The fourth class, commencing on the first of Septem- 
ber, is arranged in alphabetical order, and thus divided 



272 History of West Point. 

into sections of about twelve cadets in each branch of 
study. After the lapse of three or four weeks, transfers 
between the sections occur at the close of each week, 
and continue until those most distinguished in their 
studies will be found in the first section ; those next in 
order of scholarship, in the second section ; and those 
who have made least proficiency, will be found in the 
lowest section. 

At all recitations, in every branch of study at the 
Military Academy, the blackboard is a ruling feature in 
the performance of each cadet, and by it the thorough 
understanding of the subject given him is determined, 
while memory is thereby rendered subservient to the 
powers of reason. 

The progress of each cadet is measured daily by a 
scale of marks given by each instructor, ranging decimally 
by tenths, from to 3, the maximum. The aggregate 
of all these marks, coupled with the performance at the 
examination, determines the relative merit of each cadet 
in each study. These marks are weekly submitted by 
the Professor to the Superintendent, and during the fol- 
lowing week exhibited to the cadets, who are thus made 
acquainted with their daily progress. At the termina- 
tion of each month a transcript of these marks is for- 
warded to the Inspector of the Academy, who transmits 
them to the parents of every cadet. 

The result of the semi-annual examination in January 
determines the relative merit of the whole class, the most 
distinguished being first, and the least proficient, last. 

After the first alphabetical enrolment of the fourth 
class it is not repeated, but its sections in other branches 
of study about to be commenced are cut off from the 



History of West Point. 273 

relative merit of the class, already determined ; this lat- 
ter method applies to all the other classes. 

As some of the cadets stand higher in one branch of 
study than in others, and as the studies themselves are 
ranked as presenting greater or less importance than 
others, arbitrary numbers are assigned to each branch, 
and the general relative merit is ascertained by deter- 
mining the proportional proficiency of each cadet, w^ 
reference to these numbers, and then combining tha 
latter. 

The passage of the January examination terminates 
the term of probation of the fourth class cadet ; he then 
receives his warrant, and is sworn into the service of the 
United States for eight years. Those who fail, and are 
pronounced " not proficient" in this class, are recom- 
mended to the Secretary of War for discharge ; and in 
all the other classes, at all examinations in January or 
June, those similarly "not proficient" in these classes, 
are also recommended for discharge or for a second trial 
in the succeeding class. By law of Congress, no cadet 
thus discharged can be returned to the Academy, or be 
appointed into the army until his classmates are pro- 
moted, except upon the recommendation of the Aca- 
demic Board. 

The following detailed programme of the course of 
instruction, drawn up by the Academic Board, and ap- 
proved by the Secretary of War, regulates the studies 
at the Institution until changed by the same author- 
ity. The time to be occupied in each branch is de- 
termined by the Academic Board, and the daily allow- 
ance for class study is not less than nine and not more 
than ten hours. 



274 



History of West Point. 



""Wak Departmext, September 16, 1861. 

"The following is a synopsis of the course of studies 
and the employment of time at the Military Academy :" 



< 

>^ 

H 
CO 

M 


DEPARTMENT, 


EOTPIiOYMENT OF TIITIE. 


i 




r 

Mathematics. 


3 hours daily, September to June. 


English Grammar, including Ety- 
mological and Ehetorical Ex- 
ercises, Composition, Declama- 
tion, and Geography of the 
United States. 


4 hours daily, September to June. 


French. 


4 hours every other day, January to June. 


Use of Small Arms. 


Practical instruction, 1 hour every other day, 23 
weeks. 


W 

o 
c 

o 


i 

< 

V 

Q 

Pi 


Mathematics. 


3 hours daily, September to June. 


French. 


2 hours daily, September to June. 


Drawing. 


2 hours daily, 20 weeks ; every other day,17 weeks. 


Cavalry. 


2 hours every other day, 16 weeks, practical 
instruction. 


Q 
3 


< 

Q 
z 

V 


Natural and Experimental Phi- 
losoi)hy. 


3 hours daily September to June. 


Chemistry. 


2 hours every other day, September to June. 


Drawing. 


2 hours every other day, September to June. 


Infantry Tactics. 


2 hours every other day, G weeks. 


Artillery Tactics. 


2 hours every other day 4 weeks. 


Cavalry. 


Practical instruction, every other day, Septem- 
ber to June. 


Pi' 

a 
o 


< 

M 


Engineering, Civil and Military. 


3 hours d.aily, September to June. 


Practical Engineering. 


Practical instruction durinir a part of the En- 
ciunpincnt, and from 1st April to 15th May, 
1 hour. 


Ethics, Constitutional, Interna- 
tional, and Military Law. 


2 hours every other day, September to June. 


Mineralogy and Geology. | 2 hours every other day, IT weeks. 


Ordnance and Gunnery. 2 hours every other day, 14 weeks. 


Spanish. | 2 hours every other day, September to .Tune. 


Cavalry Tactics. 2 hours every other day, 5 weeks. 


Practical instruction, 1 hour every other day, 
Cavalry. September to June. 



History of West Point. 275 

The studies pursued at the Academy are for the most 
part scientific. General literature, the languages, except 
French and Spanish, and classical studies, form no part 
of the course. 

The curriculum of study, as contrasted with that of 
our collegiate institutions, affords a marked difference in 
the small number of studies pursued. In place of the 
crowded array of branches taught, and the necessary 
half hourly recitations, to encompass the whole in the 
brief time allotted, it is the distinctive feature in the 
programme at the Military Academy to study but few 
subjects comparatively, and to learn those well. 

To the method of instruction, uniting the practice of 
the school with that of our universities, the success of 
the Military Academy as a Collegiate Institution is 
chiefly owing. It is the fault of most colleges that the 
students individually receive but little attention. Reci- 
tations so directed as to produce a perfect understand- 
ing and comprehension of the subject taught, are not 
among the prominent characteristics of American college 
management. Difficult parts of the course are slighted, 
and, in many cases, such a superficial knowledge is 
amassed as to render a diploma an uncertain criterion of 
the owner's acquirements. 

At the Military Academy the pupil does not go through 
a formal recitation merely ; he is subjected to a daily 
examination, which involves the reputation of his in- 
structor as well as his own in the effort to understand, 
as well as remember what he studies. Every cadet who 
passes annually from one class to a higher one, does so 
only when he has proven to the satisfaction of the Ex- 
amining Board that he is not only acquainted with, but 



276 History of West Point. 

knows the course of study upon which he has been ex- 
amined. It is thus that a diploma granted at the Mili- 
tary Academy, affords a conviction that the owner was 
possessed of every thing taught at the Institution at the 
time he became the owner of it. 

The conduct-roll is the main-spring to the whole sys- 
tem of discipline at the Military Academy ; and yet it 
has been publicly censured, as based upon j^rinciples 
which permitted no discrimination between acts morally 
wrong in themselves, and acts which, destitute of im- 
morality, are nevertheless criminal, because prohibited 
by the Regulations of the Institution. 

No such charge, unless designed to be at variance with 
the facts, could have originated, except under a most 
thorough misconception of the subject ; for the conduct- 
roll is neither a record of immoralities nor criminalities, 
both of which are referred to the highest tribunal known 
to military life. But it is a record, and a most salutary 
one, of the delinquencies against a system having for its 
object to instill neatness, order, regularity, and implicit 
obedience to lawfully constituted authority. 

In every calling in life, where power is enforced, and 
command exercised, these requirements are rendered 
indispensable. Experience has taught, that Avhoever is 
careless, negligent, or indifferent in the performance of 
any legitimate and proper duty, is not likely to exact a 
rigid fulfilment of details from subordinates. 

The Code of Regulations is a code of preventions and 
warnings, not materially unlike those governing other 
collegiate institutions ; but its enforcement affords a 
marked difference, even to an untutored observer. It is 
admitted that the system is rigid, and it is all-important 



History of West Point. 277 

that it should be so ; for the destiny of the cadet is not 
like that of a student in a private college. He is, and 
is to be, a soldier. Obedience is his first duty ; it is the 
pivot on which his profession and the whole army can 
alone successfully move. Thoughtlessness, carelessness, 
and inattention, are not tolerated ; for the faithful per- 
formance of the most minute duties on the part of a sol- 
dier is indispensable to military efficiency. 

And in regard to the successful workings of the sys- 
tem, without drawing invidious distinctions between the 
Military Academy and our most celebrated colleges, one 
may search in vain for the existence of riots, uprisings, 
and barrings-out. Looking to the army for its results, 
the very nature of the system is so impressed upon the 
character of the cadet, as to promote the exercise of 
gentlemanly courtesy, forbearance, morality, and Chris- 
tian feeling. When has the army furnished a scene for 
duels and brawls ? Where is the complaint of the soldier 
for inhumanity against the subaltern ? Where have the 
volunteers and militia complained of tyranny or super- 
ciliousness on the part of the graduates who command 
them ? And yet they have been associated together by 
strong ties of attachment, when not to murmur was a 
positive virtue. 

Fashioned under the eye of the Military Academy, 
the habits and destinies of the graduates of the Institu- 
tion inculcate the truly American doctrine of thorough 
contempt for all the adventitious advantages of wealth 
and fortune, and proclaim the innate nobility of individ- 
ual merit ; for here alone the poor boy feels that a man 
is but a man, and that native talent, with good conduct, 

is the true and real source of respectability. 
19 



278 History of West Point. 

Discipline among the Cadets is maintained by a sys- 
tem of punishments, not so remarkable for severity as " 
for rigid enforcement. They consist of privation of 
hours allotted to recreation, extra tours of guard, repri- 
mands in public, confinement to room, tent, or prison, 
and dismissal ; the two latter being only inflicted by a 
court-martial, while the others are decreed by the Super- 
intendent. 

For every minor offence against the standing Regula- 
tions, violations of special orders, and of what may be 
called common military law, including unsoldierUke con- 
duct and breaches of military etiquette, the offender is 
reported to the Commandant of Cadets. An opportunity 
is afforded for explanation ; and if the latter be unsatis- 
factory, the offence is registered against the Cadet, who 
receives one or more demerit, according to the magni- 
tude or criminality of the offence. 

For the purpose of determining the degree of the 
delinquencies, all offences which experience has shown 
that Cadets are liable to commit, are arranged in five 
classes. The first embraces all the minor infractions of 
the Code, for each of which one demerit is awarded; the 
gravity of other offences causes them to be classed in 
the second, third, fourth, or fifth grade, and a number of 
demerit is awarded equal to the number of the class 
in which the offence is enrolled. Any Cadet who 
receives 100 demerit in six months, ending June 6th 
and December 6th, is declared deficient in conduct, and 
discharged from the Academy. But the punishment of 
those who fail to reach this number does not cease with 
the entry on the Register. Each number, like a guilty 
conscience, accompanies them through Cadet-life, and 



History of West Point. 279 

affects their after career in the Army ; for the conduct- 
roll is an element, in connection with proficiency in 
studies, in determining the relative rank of each mem- 
ber in the different classes. 

As the Cadets of the youngest class are less experi- 
enced, and more likely to err, one-third of the number 
of demerit incurred by them is stricken off at the end of 
each six months, and the remainder stands as a perma- 
nent record. But for the First class Cadet, the sum of 
all the demerit for the last three years is reduced by 
one-sixth, and the balance affords the basis by which the 
standing and proficiency of each member of the class, in 
conduct, is determined. As in the case of studies, an 
arbitrary number is assigned to conduct, and the rela- 
tive proficiency of the Cadet is combined with those 
which determine his final graduating class rank. 

Thorough knowledge of the course of study alone, 
therefore, does not secure the Cadet the highest rank. 
His general deportment sensibly affects his position, 
and he is thus urged by its permanent influence to ren- 
der, during his academic career, that spirit of subordi- 
nation and implicit obedience to lawfully constituted 
authority, without which a soldier is an enemy to him- 
self and his country. 

A general view of the system of discipline presents 
many features peculiar to the Military Academy. In 
whatever situation a Cadet may be placed, he is ob- 
served by some superior. If he is on military duty, he 
is watched from the colonel to the corporal; if at meals, 
the supervision extends from the Commandant of the 
Mess-Hall to the carver; if in his room, from the Super- 
intendent to a sentinel ; from the Officer of the Day to 



280 History of West Point. 

the orderly; and if at recitation, from the Professor to 
the section-marcher. Under such close inspection, vio- 
lations of discipline are made known to some one whose 
duty it is to make a report of it. Military deportment, 
being everywhere and at all times required, becomes 
insensibly a fixed habit, and the effect of this system of 
discipline appears in the natural emulation it excites. 

The desire to stand high is more or less operative on 
each Cadet in the first half of every class, while the 
lowest strain every nerve to attain the minimum of 
merit, that they may not be degraded to the succeeding 
class, or be separated from the Academy. The Govern- 
ment requires not only those who are willing, but those 
whose capacity has been proved able to perform its 
required military duties. As several fail every exami- 
nation, and disappear from the Institution, every Cadet 
is impelled to save himself and his friends from disap- 
pointment, or to secure such a standing as foreshadows 
his future position in the army. 

The promotion of the class upon graduating is accom- 
plished by dividing it into three sections, accompanied by 
a recommendation from the Academic Board to the Sec- 
retary of War, that the first may be assigned to any 
corps in the Army that they may elect; the second to 
any corps except the Corps of Engineers ; and the last 
to the Infantry and Cavalry branches only. The rank 
of the young officer, in each corps, is made to correspond 
with that held by him among his classmates upon leav- 
ing the Academy. 

From an examination of the tables given in the Appen- 
dix, showing the number of cadets admitted and gra- 
duated, and dividing the years of the existence of the 



HiSTOEY OF West Point. 281 

Military Academy into six decennial periods, it appears, 
that the proportion of graduates to the number of cadets 
admitted into the Academy was, for the 

First period of ten years, 1802 to 1811 . . 0.606 

Second period of ten years, 1812 to 1821 . . 0.289 

Third period of ten years, 1822 to 1831 . . 0.377 

Fourth period of ten years, 1832 to 1841 . . 0.472 

Fifth period of ten years, 1842 to 1851 . . 0.510 

Sixth period of ten years, 1852 to 1861 . . 0.523 

Such is the organization of the United States Military 
Academy. In the thoroughness of its course of instruc- 
tion and discipline, it compares favorably with similar 
European military academies, and rivals, if it does not 
excel, the principal scientific institutions of America. 

" Proved in all manner of ways by a half-century's 
trial, the two thousand graduates which the Institution 
has sent forth have maintained the highest reputation 
for integrity, zeal, efficiency, and high moral character 
— without which last attribute there can be no real 
integrity, zeal, or efficiency. 

"As soldiers, they have borne with unflinching forti- 
tude their life of exertion and privation; and,. notwith- 
standing the temptations to which their duties have 
exposed them, and their isolation (on frontier service) 
from the restraints of society, they have borne them- 
selves with a propriety which a high moral character 
only could maintain. 

"As disbursing officers of the Government, they have 
proved faithful, when too many, not graduates, have 
failed. 

"As Engineers, they have commanded the entire con- 



282 History of West Point. 

fidence of the Government and the communities which 
they served, and have been the principal agents by 
which our fortifications, our magnificent Avorks of inter- 
nal improvement, our railroads, our canals, our public 
buildings, and our lighthouses and harbor Avorks have 
been brought into existence. 

"• In the ranks, too, of our legislators, our jurists, our 
agriculturists, our merchants, our ministers of the Gos- 
pel, even, they have been found, and have ever acquitted 
themselves with honor, and commanded their full share 
of resj)ect from their fellow-men."* 

* General J. G. Barnard, 



i 




o 





"••■■<pu.,i 

t'r"^ -■■' »,..,.. 
II,.,,,, ' 

"'■'I l.ul, 

":'"''-y lu.J""' 

''■" '""■■" iii./,.;.,. 
■^•:-"' '-"n.n,.,, 

■):"''"-"'.n.],. 






mi 



th 
of 



History of West Point. 283 



CHAPTER XVI. 

West Point in 1863.— Scenery. — Principal Objects of Interest, 
— Fort Clinton. — Kosciuszko's Monument. — Dade's Monument. 
— Narrative of the Survivor of the Massacre. — Chain Bat- 
tery Walk. — Library and Observatory. — Chapel. — Trophies 
on the Walls. — Academic Building. — Museum. — Picture Gal- 
lery. — Sculpture G-allery. — Engineering and Chemical De- 
partments. — Cadets' Barrack. — Mess-Hall. — Hospital. — Rid- 
ing-Hall. — Scenery from Fort Putnam. — The Cemetery. — 
Mexican Trophies. — The Great Chain. — The Encampment. — 
Autumnal Landscape at West Point. 

" The moon looks down on old Cro'nest, 
She mellows the shades on his shaggy breast, 
And seems his huge gray form to throw, 
In a silver cone on the wave below; 
His sides are broken by spots of shade. 
By the walnut bough and the cedar made, 
And tlarough their clustering branches dark. 
Glimmers and dies the fire-fly's spark — 
Like starry twinkles that momently break 
Through the rifts of the gathering tempest's rack." 

[The Culprit Fay.] 

West Point, situated within three hours' ride by the 
railway and steamboat from the great commercial empo- 
rium of the United States, and accessible by those 
conveyances many times during each day, presents, like 
Niagara, attractions to the tourist which excite the most 
pleasurable and permanent impressions. The unrivalled 
E-hine-like landscape, viewed by the light of an evening 
sunset, in the month of June, with the ear charmed by 
the delicious strains of the Band at parade, fills the 



284 History of West Point. 

mind of the traveller with novelty, satisfaction, and con- 
tentment. 

Thirty years ago, the arrival of a stranger at West 
Point, to witness the signs of promise and development 
of one united by the ties of kindred or friendship, was 
in itself a novelty ; but now, the increased facilities for 
travelling, and the existence of two fashionable hotels, 
bring, or carry away daily, a hundred votaries of plea- 
sure from this once secluded spot. 

To satisfy these, there are no medicinal waters, no 
cataracts, or surf-bathing ; but there are walks, and 
talks, and drives, and hops, with two hundred chosen of 
Columbia's youth, whose gallant bearing and courteous 
attentions are sometimes remembered with a sigh, and 
sometimes borne along with a matron's affection through 
the voyage of life. 

The visitor at the West Point Hotel may direct his 
view up the river northward to Newburg, nine miles 
distant, and note the Shawangunk Mountains in the 
extreme distance ; and if the atmosphere be unusually 
clear, the Catskill Mountains, while the intervening dis- 
tance is dotted with steamers and vessels, significant of 
the wealth of the West and the enterprise of the East. 

To the left, and this side of Newburg, is the " Storm 
King" Mountain, otherwise called Butter Hill, behind 
which nestle the villages of Cornwall and New Windsor ; 
and, nearer yet, the Croiv Nest, fifteen hundred feet 
above the waters of the Hudson, with its overhanging 
cliffs and precipices. To the right, and opposite to the 
" Storm King," is Break Neck Mountain, tunnelled by 
the Hudson river railroad ; and nearer yet. Bull Hill, 
the villages of Cold Spring and Phillipstown, opposite 



History of "West Point. 285 

the Crow Nest ; and directly across the river, Marte- 
laer's Rock, now known as Constitution Island, 

The works of the West Point Foundry Association 
are partially concealed by the Island on the northeast. 
This establishment, presided over and conducted by 
Robert P. Parrott, Esq., formerly of the army, and 
a graduate of the Military Academy, is one of the 
largest of its kind in the United States ; and in the 
manufacture of ordnance and machinery of all kinds, it 
furnishes employment to six or eight hundred employes. 
The famous Parrott Guns are supplied from these works, 
which, with the fabrication of shot, shells, steamship 
machinery, &c., &c., render a visit to the works one of 
unrivalled interest and instruction. 





BUIN8 OP FOIIT CONSTITUTIUN. 



A ferry-boat leaves the landing below the Hotel every 
hour, for the Foundry wharf, passing Constitution 
Island, upon which the ruins of old Fort Constitution, 



286 History of "West Point. 

near the water's edge, and of the old Block-House, a 
little distance north of it, are yet distinctly to be seen. 

From the West Piazza, upon the northern slope of the 
Plain, may be seen the Siege-Battery, the Ordnance and 
Artillery Laboratory, the habitations and Barracks of the 
soldiers in Camptown, and, farther away to the right, 
Washington's Valley, overlooked by the Cemetery of the 
Cadets, situated on the crest of the hill above. 

Directly in front, Redoubt Hill rises to an altitude of 
six hundred feet above the Plain, on the summit of 
which the ruins of the old " Redoubt No. 4" are discern- 
ible ; and to the left, the grim walls of Fort Putnam, on 
Mount Independence, overlook the row of dwellings 
occupied by the Superintendent and officers of the 
Academy on the west side of the Plain. 

From the south front the view includes the grassy 
parapet of old Fort Clinton on the extreme left, the 
Library and Observatory, with its turrets and dome, 
further south ; the unpretending Chapel, the Academy, 
and the massive Barracks of the Cadets, above which, 
enveloped in a growth of cedars, are the ruins of Fort 
Wyllis ; and at the prescribed times, the lines of white 
tents, the mad charging of the Cavalry Squadron, or the 
evolutions of a Battery of Horse Artillery, or of an 
Infantry exercise, diversify the grassy plain spread 
before the admiring spectator. 

Under the permission easily obtained from the Super- 
intendent, the public buildings may be visited, and afford 
many objects of rare interest. Leaving the Hotel for 
this purpose, by a path to the left, the tourist enters 
Fort Clinton, on the northeast angle of which stands a 
monument, erected to the patriot hero from Poland, 



History of West Point. 



287 



Kosciuszko. A plain panelled base, surmounted by a 
capped and fluted column, bearing the exile's name only, 
tells all that marble can say, without encroaching upon 




KOSCIUSZKO 8 MONTTMENT. 



the duty of every American mother, in whose heart a 
love of country is implanted. The monument was 
erected in 1828, by the Corps of Cadets, at an expense 
of $5,000. 

The rushing of the Hudson river railroad trains along 
the surface of the river, on the east ; the tiny steam 
ferry-boat ; Garrison's Station, overlooked by the North 
and South Ptedoubts on the hill above ; and an uninter- 
rupted view down the river of eight miles, interspersed 
with steamers, vessels, and barges, will arouse, even in 



288 



History of West Point. 



those habitually indifferent, a lively sensation of the 
beauty of the landscape here displayed. 




BADE 8 MONUMENT 



Leaving the Fort, a few yards to the south, a path 
leads down to a little plateau on the river's bank, on 
which stands a Cenotaph of more than ordinary beauty 
and interest. It is of white Italian marble, bearing a 
fluted column upon a square base ; the latter, encircled 
with stars, and supported at the four corners with 
marble cannon, is surmounted above by an eagle, from 
whose beak a wreath of laurel depends, and entwines the 
column. The simple inscription, " Dade and his Com- 
mand," with the names and the date, convey but little 
idea of the mournful occasion which called forth this 
emblem. It was erected in 1845. The report of Cap- 



History of West Point. 289 

tain Hitchcock, and the narrative of the last survivor, 
inform the reader what sacrifices duty demanded of 
those engaged in the war with the Seminole Indians in 
Florida : 

"Fort King, Florida, February ^1^ 1836. 

General : — Agreeably to your directions, I observed the battle- 
ground six or seven miles north of the Wythlacoochee river, where 
Major Dade and his command were destroyed by the Seminole Indians, 
on the 28th of December last, and have the honor to submit the follow- 
ing report : 

" The force under your command, which arrived at this post to-day 
from Tampa Bay, encamped, on the night of the 19th instant, on the 
ground occupied by Major Dade on the night of the l7th December. 
He and his party were destroyed on the 28th of December, about four 
miles in advance of that position. He was advancing towards this 
post, and was attacked from the north, so that, on the 20th instant, we 
came upon the rear of his battle-ground, about 9 o'clock in the morn- 
ing. Our advanced guard had passed the ground without halting, 
when the General and his staff came upon one of the most appalling 
scenes that can be imagined. We first saw some broken and scattered 
boxes ; then a cart, the two oxen of which were lying dead, as if they 
had fallen asleep, their yokes still on them : a little to the right, one 
or two horses were seen. We then came to a small enclosure, made 
by felling trees in such a manner as to form a triangular breastwork, 
for defence. Within the triangle, along the north and west faces of it, 
•were about thirty bodies, mere skeletons, although much of the cloth- 
ing was left upon them. They were lying, almost every one of them, 
in precisely the position they must have occupied during the fight — their 
heads next to the logs over which they had delivered their fire, and their 
bodies stretched, with striking regularity, parallel to each other. They 
had evidently been shot dead at their posts, and the Indians had not 
disturbed them, except by taking the scalps of most of them. Passing 
this little breastwork, we found other bodies along the road and by 
the side of the road, generally behind trees, which had been resorted 
to for covers from the enemy's fire. Advancing about two hundred 
yards further, we found a cluster of bodies in the middle of the 
road. These were evidently the advanced guard, in the rear of which 
was the body of Major Dade, and to the right that of Captain Fraser. 

"These were all doubtless shot down on the first fire of the Indians, 
except, perhaps, Captain Fraser, who must, however, have fallen very 
early in the fight. Those in the road and by the trees fell during the 



'# 



290 History of West Point. 

first attack. It was during a cessation of the fire, that the little band 
still remaining, about thirty in the number, threw up the triangular 
breastwork, which, from the haste with which it was constructed, was 
necessarily defective, and could not protect the men in the second 
attack. 

" We had with us many of the personal friends of the officers of Major 
Dade's command, and it is gratifying to be able to state that every 
officer was identified by undoubted evidence. They were buried, and 
the cannon, a six-pounder, that the Indians had thrown into a swamp, 
was recovered, and placed vertically at the head of the grave, where it 
is to be hoped it will long remain. The bodies of the non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates were buried in two graves, and it was 
found that every man was accounted for. The command was com- 
posed of eight officers, and one hundred and two non-commissioned 
officers and privates. The bodies of eight officers and ninety-eight 
men were interred, four men having escaped ; three of whom reached 
Tampa Bay : the fourth was killed the day after the battle. 

" It may be proper to observe, that the attack was not made from a 
hammock, but in a thinly wooded country ; the Indians being concealed 
by palmetto and grass, which has since been burned. 

" The two companies were Captain Fraser's, of the 3d Artillery, and 
Captain Gardiner's, of the 2d Artillery. The officers were Major Dade, 
of the 4th Infantry ; Captains Fraser and Gardiner, Second Lieutenant 
Basinger, Brevet Second Lieutenants R. Henderson, Mudge, and Keais, 
of the Artillery, and Doctor J. S. Gatlin. 
" I have the honor to be, 

" With the highest respect, 

" Your obedient servant,* 

"E. A. HITCHCOCK, 
" Captain \st Infantry, Acting Inspector-General. 
" Major-General Edmund P. Gaines, 
" Fort King, Florida." 

The circumstances attending the escape of Ransom 
Clarke, the sole survivor of the detachment under 
Major Dade, massacred by the Indians after a gallant 
contest, are truly marvellous. 

'' It appears that the surprise of the corps was complete. 
About 8 A. M., of December 28th, Major Dade rode 

* Savannah Georgian, March 9, 1836. 



History of West Point. 291 

in front of the column of march, and told his men to 
'have a good heart; that their difficulties and dangers 
were now over ; and as soon as they arrived at Fort 
King they should have three days' rest, and keep 
Christmas gayly.' The words were scarcely out of his 
mouth when a discharge took place, and the Major and 
his horse both fell. This sudden attack naturally dis- 
concerted the troops, but in three minutes they were all 
as steady as veterans, and the fighting commenced in 
earnest. It continued, with varied success, until the 
six-pounder came up, on the discharge of which the 
Indians retreated. Advantage was taken of this, and 
a hastily constructed breastwork was thrown up in 
expectation of another attack, which took place in 
about an hour, when the enemy came on like devils, 
yelling and whooping in such a manner that the reports 
of the rifles were scarcely perceptible. The action 
lasted from 8 a. m. to 4 in the afternoon. The United 
States troops amounted to 117, and the Indians are 
supposed to have been 800 strong, with 100 negroes, 
who were more savage than the Seminoles. The enemy 
fired principally from a distance, and only made one 
charge with tomahawks and clubs, but were repulsed. 
So long as a man stood, the resistance continued, and 
the six-pounder was fired quickly and regularly as long 
as men remained to load it. With respect to the 
officers, as long as life remained they cheered and 
encouraged their men, and fell sword in hand. Captain 
Fraser, second in command, and Lieutenant Mudge, fell 
at the first fire, when the Major was killed. Clarke 
was at the extreme right flank, and when he heard the 
crack of the rifles he looked at the Major for the word 



292 History of West Point. 

of command, but a volley from 800 rifles swept the 
advance-guard entirely, and not a man remained stand- 
ing. Lieutenant Henderson had his left arm shattered, 
and Lieutenant Keys had both arms broken. The 
latter got one of the men to tie both arms with a 
handkerchief, and was placed against a tree, where he 
was tomahawked by the negroes. The troops then 
took each to his tree, and an irregular firing com- 
menced, till the arrival of the six-pounder, and the 
temporary retreat of the Indians as above mentioned. 

"At the second attack, nothing could equal the cool- 
ness and deliberation of the troops ; and, as Clarke 
observes, ' they were as cool as if they were in the 
woods shooting game.' The weather was very warm, 
and about 1 o'clock the action began to slacken, up- 
wards of sixty or seventy having fallen, and two officers 
only then surviving. Captain Gardiner and Lieutenant 
Basinger. While a man could load a musket, the firing 
was continued. Captain Gardiner received five or six 
shots before he fell ; the mortal wound was in the breast. 
When he fell, Basinger said : ' Now, my boys, let us do 
the best we can — I am the only officer left;' and the firing 
recommenced. About half-past 2 o'clock he was brought 
down by a rifle-shot in the thighs, and he was after- 
wards cruelly massacred by a negro. Clarke received 
his first wound in the thigh, about 1 o'clock, outside 
the breastwork, which brought him to the ground. He 
soon recovered himself, and crawled and limped in. He 
placed himself along it [the breastwork], and com- 
menced firing in that position ; but, in the act of eleva- 
ting the musket, received a wound between the elbow 
and right shoulder. He still continued to fire and load, 



History of West Point. 293 

but again received two wounds, one in the head, from 
buckshot, and a small rifle-ball in the back. He still 
kept on till about 4 o'clock, when he received a ball on 
the right scapula from a negro, who, when he fired, 
cried out : ' There, damn you !' This disabled him, and 
he fell on his face and continued motionless. The 
enemy immediately rushed into the breastwork, and 
took possession of the arms and ammunition, provisions 
and baggage, which they carried out of the fortification. 
About fifty or sixty negroes then came up on horseback, 
and began stripping the dead, and cutting and mutila- 
ting all who showed any signs of life. They seemed to 
be in a hurry, and after finishing their work of slaugh- 
ter, they hurried off. All this time Clarke was lying 
by the side of Basinger, and they stripped his jacket 
oif, one observing that ' he had a wound in the head, 
and was not dead.' Another said: 'Let him lie; he 
will suffer more than if he were killed outright.' One 
of them remarked that ' he had a good j)air of boots on, 
and they would fit him,' whereupon he pulled them off, 
and they fled precipitately. This was about 4 o'clock, 
and Clarke remained as the negroes left him till about 
nine ; when he got up, and looking around in the moon- 
light, he crawled over the bodies, and feeling one warm, 
found that it was a private named De Courcy, who was 
wounded in the side and left arm, but slightly. Clarke 
told him that he was thinking of trying to get back 
to Fort Brook, on Tampa Bay, about sixty-five miles 
distant. He agreed to accompany him, and Clarke 
crawled along on his left hand and knees part of the 
way, and part of the way he was led by De Courcy. 
Next day, about noon, they came upon an Indian on 

20 



294: History of West Point. 

horseback, who was loading his rifle. They agreed to 
separate, in the hope of easier escaping him, and Clarke 
darted into a hammock of palmettos and brush. The 
Indian pursued De Courcy, and fired, but missed. He 
then crossed a road and ran over a hill, which was the 
last Clarke saw of his hapless comrade. After hearing 
the report, Clarke, from his retreat, saw the Indian 
return on horseback, and ride about the hammock, 
searching all around. At one time he came within ten 
feet of him, but at length gave up the pursuit, an(J 
rode away. Clarke then resumed his painful journey, 
and on the fourth day after the massacre got into Fort 
Brook, where he found private Thomas, one of the 
detachment, who had also escaped ; and next morning 
another, named Sprague, came in; but they are since 
dead, and Clarke is the only survivor of this gallant and 
devoted band."* 

A few steps south of the Cenotaph, at the foot of a 
flight of stone steps, is the shelving plateau overhung 
with foliage called " Kosciuszko's Garden" and said by 
tradition to have been his favorite resort. The marble 
fountain, the shrubbery, and the secluded seats, with an 
occasional bit of ribbon or a glove, suggest that it is 
yet a resort for some, who, it is to be hoped, are as 
patriotic, and quite as sincere, as the unfortunate Pole. 

From this enchanting retreat a gravelled path, called 
" Chain Battery Walk," pursues its way northward, 
past Battery Knox, a relic of the Revolution, along 
steep precipices and clifl^s overhanging the river for 
three-fourths of a mile, penetrating the site of the old 
*' Lantern Battery," on Gee's Point, and the Chain Bat- 

* Charleston (S. C.) Courier, August, 1836. 



History of West Point. 



295 



tery, for the protection of the old Chain of the Revolu- 
tion ; abounding, moreover, in windings, abrupt turnings, 
nooks, and secluded places, the path ascends directly 
up the north slope of the Plain to the Hotel, while a 
branch continues on to the Siege Battery of sea-coast 
guns on the north landing. 




THE 13-lNCH MORTAR AT TlIK SEA-COjVST BATTERY. 

Returning to the Library, its beauty, and the portraits 
of the distinguished officers therein, command the atten- 
tion of the spectator. The number of volumes is about 
20,000, chiefly upon military and scientific subjects. 
Additions are constantly made, from an annual appro- 
priation by Congress of $1,000 for this purpose. 

The Chapel contains a beautiful painting over the 
chancel, by Professor Weir, and the walls are adorned 
by memorial tablets of distinguished American generals, 
standards, and guns. The colors on the west side were 
taken from the English; and the guns, as early as 1823, 
were, with the permission of the heirs* of Major-General 



* Official Records, 18-42, U. S. M. A. 



296 History of West Point. 

Greene, deposited at tlie Military Academy. They bear 

the following inscription : 

" Taken 

From the British Army 

And presented by order of 

The United States in Congress assembled 

To Major General Greene 

As A monument of 

Their high sense of 

The Wisdom, fortitude and military talents 

which distinguished his Command 

In the Southern Department 

And of 

The eminent services 

Which 

Amidst complicated dangers and difficulties 

He performed for 

His country 

October y= 18, 1*783." 

The standards and guns on the east side are a portion 
of those taken during the war w^ith Mexico. 

Besides the Chemical Laboratory, and the Cabinet of 
Minerals and Fossils in the Academy, the Ordnance 
and Artillery Museum, on the third floor, presents much 
to interest the observer. Its walls are draped with the 
colors of the veteran regiments engaged in the war of 
1812, and with those which waved defiance at Vera Cruz, 
Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec, and over the National Palace 
in the City of Mexico. There are glazed cases, exhibit- 
ing models of the progressive manufacture of every part 
of the musket, from the beginning unto the completion ; 
of all the varieties of artillery, shot, shells, cartridges, 
small and great, fuzes, swords, pistols, and ancient 
implements of war. 



History of West Point. 297 

In the centre of the room stands a model of the cele- 
brated Silver Mine of Yalenciana, at Guanaxuato, in 
Mexico, one of the richest in that republic. This 
model, upwards of six feet high and six feet square, 
exhibits the shafts and galleries of the mine, with its 
multitude of miners, horses, and operatives, at their re- 
spective callings, on the surface, made of silver amalgam. 

It was originally designed as a present for the Pope, 
and constructed at a cost of $3,000. After the occupa- 
tion of the City of Mexico by the American Army, in 
1847, it was purchased by subscription among the offi- 
cers for the Military Academy. 

The Museum had its origin in 1854, and under the 
law of 1814, which authorizes the President of the 
United States to preserve and display trophies of war. 
Secretary Marcy, under date of December 28, 1848, 
declared : " Among the considerations which render the 
Military Academy at West Point an appropriate deposi- 
tory of the trophies of the successful victories of our 
arms in Mexico, is the admitted fjict, that the graduates 
of that institution contributed in an eminent degree to 
our unexampled career of success."* 

Besides the Geographical room and the Mathematical 
model-room on this floor, the Picture gallery, at the 
north end, presents attractions not easily forgotten. 
This Gallery contains more than two hundred specimens, 
most of which are pen, pencil, and water-color sketches, 
executed by the cadets. Their excellence illustrates 
the rapid progress in the improvement of untrained 
minds and hands, during the limited period allotted to 

* Official Records, 1848, U. S. M. A. 



298 History of West Point. 

this subject ; being only one or two hours daily during 
the second and third years of cadet pupilage. 

The centre of the Gallery contains a large jjortrait, 
by Professor Weir, of an early Superintendent, Colonel 
Thayer, placed there by officers who were cadets under 
his administration. 

Across the hall is the Gallery of Sculpture, contain- 
ing casts and models for the cadet pupil, to aid in 
sketching from life. The east side of the Gallery pre- 
sents a model of the " Progress of Civilization in 
America," from the pediment of the Capitol at Wash- 
ington. 

On the second floor beneath this portion of the 
Academy are the Engineering model-rooms, exhibiting 
orders of architecture, bridges, buildings, fortifications, 
attack and defence of fortified places, &c., &c. 

A single room in the Cadets' Barrack is a type of the 
rest. Uniformly with two occupants, every article is 
arranged according to a prescribed system. The iron 
bedsteads, iron tables, and the few simple articles of 
necessity, betray in a marked degree the absence of all 
luxurious creature comforts, as unworthy of a soldier's 
home. 

The Mess-Hall, south of the Academy, presents an 
object of interest to those who would inquire further 
into cadet life. Supplied by a Purveyor, who receives 
a salary entirely disconnected from the number of cadets, 
or the quality of their food, he has simply to furnish 
a plain, substantial soldier's regimen, the cost of which 
is divided monthly among the whole number of cadets, 
and paid for from funds which never pass into the Pur- 
veyor's hands. The hours for meals are prescribed, 



History of West Point. 299 

their duration is limited, the seats are assigned, and the 
disorders of College Commons are unknown. 

The Hospital, with its two attending Surgeons, two 
Matrons, and Steward, presents an illustration of neat- 
ness throughout the wards which may well excite 
emulation in the most ambitious housewife. 

The Riding-Hall, and its exercises of leaping bars, 
running at the ring, cutting and firing at mock heads, 
never fail to attract and fill the Gallery with an 
interested audience, wdiile the horses and their accom- 
modations are alike worthy of observation. 

A failure to visit Fort Putnam would deprive the 
tourist of witnessing some of the most memorable points 
of Revolutionary interest. The old Fort, subjected to 
the tempests and wintry blasts of three-fourths of a 
century, yet retains its form, enveloped in crumbling 
walls. These, and the dilapidated casemates, may 
arrest the attention of reflective minds only, but the 
view from this point commands the homage of all. 

To the enthusiast of the picturesque, to whose 
worship alone the Genius Loci reveals all his treasures, 
the scenery around West Point presents at all seasons, 
and through each varying hour of the day, a succession 
of tahleaux, unequalled, perhaps, in any other portion 
of our country, — from the tender beauties of leaf and 
flower of the opening summer, to the sublime and stern 
aspect of Avinter, when the massive forms of Crow Nest 
and Bull Hill are enveloped in their heavy mantle of 
snow, and the broad bosom of the Hudson is locked in 
the tight embrace of the Ice King. 

These beauties are best taken in, however, near the 
close of the day, when, the sun descending towards the 



300 History of West Point. 

crests of the liills on the west, the broad shadows are 
thrown across the river upon those which skirt the 
eastern bank, and, slowly flitting from hill-top to hill- 
top, unveil, at each change of position, some new 
feature of loveliness concealed by the diffused light of 
the earlier part of the day. 

Among the many objects which diversify this natural 
picture, as seen from Fort Putnam, on the eastern shore, 
is the sturdy form of Anthony's Nose, looming up in the 
distance, six miles below, enveloped in the dreamy 
mists that follow the setting sun, and apparently an 
everlasting barrier to the huge volume of water which, 
in its deep channel, is abruptly turned aside at this 
point in its onward sweep to the ocean. A little nearer, 
on the same side, is seen the ever-memorable " Robinson 
House," half hidden under a mantle of foliage ; and 
nearer yet, nestling amid a cluster of evergreen trees, 
the stately mansion of Ex-Governor Hamilton Fish ; 
while the rocky jDoint through which the Hudson river 
railroad defiantly speeds its way, marks the spot from 
which the apostate Arnold fled, in his barge, to the 
Vulture below. 

Garrison's Station is opposite, the residence of H. W. 
Belcher, Esq., and of Upjohn, the architect, above it, 
upon soil once whitened by Continental tents ; and 
stretching farther away to the northward, upon lands 
alike consecrated, is the hospitable home of Honorable 
Gouverneur Kemble, and that of the poet-General, 
whose plaintive appeal to the " Woodman" is known 
and sung in every American home. 

Full fifteen miles in view, beneath, the placid waters 
of the Hudson roll on, at times literally covered with 



History of West Point, 



301 



the products of commercial industry, and the Sabbath-like 
silence is broken only by the rushing of paddle-wheels, 
or the panting and throbbing locomotive opposite. 

One mile and a half to the south, and upon the west 
bank, the palatial Hotel of Cozzens stands boldly upon 
the very precipice of the river, like a beacon inviting the 
weary traveller to repose beneath its ample shelter ; and 
sweeping northward, the eye scans the picturesque little 
Church of the Holy Innocents ; the ruins of Forts Webb 
and Wyllis; the Plain of West Point, carpeted with 
green, over Avhich waves the flowery flag of the nation ; 
and lingers with a sigh upon the cemetery, beneath 
whose marble piles repose the remains of those whose 
dying murmurs in Florida, Mexico, Oregon, and on dis- 
tant frontiers, besought a resting-place here. 




;o2 



History of West Point. 



Conspicuous among the many beautiful military monu- 
ments, is the one erected by the Corj3s of Cadets in 
1818, to commemorate the premature death of Cadet 
Lowe, of New York, and of other cadets and officers in 
the Institution. It is a frustum of a cone in marble, 
composed of separate blocks, upon which the names are 
inscribed ; the whole surmounted by a field-piece, flags, 
and other appropriate emblems. 

Returning to the Hotel, upon a natural mound at the 
northwest angle of the Plain is placed a neat Cenotaph, 
commemorative of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel E. 
D. Wood, a graduate of the class of 1806, who was 
killed in the sortie from Fort Erie upon the British 
siege-works. Its completion, in October, 1818, was 
accompanied by an impressive military ceremony. 




wood's MONtTMENT. 



Near the flag-staff, arranged around a relic of the 



History of West Point. 



303 



great Chain of the Revolution, is a formidable array of 
mortars, siege-guns, and field-pieces, of which fourteen 
ware taken from the English, and eighty-eight from the 




TROPIIT GUNS. 



Mexicans. The names indicate the fields upon which 
they were won. Within the circle formed by the Chain 
is the beautiful gun "Le Monarque," presented by Con- 
gress to the Marquis de Lafayette ; and in the middle 
of the south row of guns is the iron 24-pounder which 
caused the death of Cadet Lowe, before mentioned. 

From this point, the view northward cannot be sur- 
passed in beauty. The Hudson, with the city of New- 
burg in the distance, the village of Cold Spring and the 
West Point Foundry in the foreground, closed in on the 
two sides by the Crow Nest and Bull Hill, and show- 
ing the misty outline of the Shawangunk Mountains in 
the far background, recall to the European traveller, 
from its lake-like character, the appearance of the Lake 
of Geneva, with Vevay in the distance. Here the eye 
may gaze by the hour upon the ever-varying spectacle 
of the whole stretch of the river, at times covered by a 



304 



History of West Point. 



fleet of steamboats, bearing along what is in truth the 
freight of an empire ; or, turning from this towards 
the right, embrace a landscape worthy of Church's 
pencil, in the receding valley-view seen over the fur- 
nace vapors of the ever-clanking machinery works of 
the Foundry. 




^. 




l^^^-^-* 



W**'^ ^.o^'^-^" 



THE ENCAMPMENT. 



The "Encampment," commencing at the close of each 
annual June examination, and continuing until the end 
of August, is the carnival season at West Point. The 
period first referred to marks a perceptible change in 
the deportment of the respective classes, characteristic 
of the advancement of each cadet from a lower to a 
higher class. The Third Class, just released from 
plebeian servitude by the arrival of a class of new 
cadets, and numerically stronger than their elder breth- 
ren present, exercise a powerful influence in shaping 
the future career of. their younger associates, and in 
contributing to the pleasures of the gay season. 



History of West Point. 305 

The new cadet, about to enter u^^on an honorable 
competition with classmates of whose attainments and 
antecedents he is ignorant, finds less to enjoy than 
those whose familiarity with the duties and details of 
military life affords courteous attentions and lively enter- 
tainment to the numerous throngs of visitors. Many, 
charged with the idea that stature, and form, and martial 
bearing are elements of success, soon learn that 23erse- 
verance, industry, and close application to study are 
indispensable ; and that even these, unaccompanied by 
such gifts as the power of perception, power of com- 
prehension, power to understand, and power to impart 
information to others, are qualifications which do not 
insure success at the Military Academy. 

Aroused by the shrill fifes and drums at 5 o'clock in 
the morning, drummed to their meals, drummed to the 
performance of various military duties during the day, 
and drummed to sleep at ten at night, the weary life and 
hardships of the cadet are not visible at the tri-weekly 
evening hops, nor during the sentimental rambles amid 
the sweet strains of the Band upon those nights not thus 
appropriated. And yet the season is indeed a trying one. 
It is a season when all the duties of an army in the field 
prevail. It is a season when hopes and expectations are 
excited, as well as one in which doubt and uncertainty 
for the future arise. It is a season whose approach 
and departure are alike welcomed with satisfaction and 
pleasure. 

The cadets return from Camp to the Barracks at the 
end of August, when the spectacle of striking the tents 
is well worthy of the efi"ort of the visitor to be present 
and witness it. 



306 History of West Point. 

Though a visit to West Point at all seasons affords 
pleasure, the months of June, when the foliage is still 
tender, but fully developed, and October, when it is 
matured in all its autumnal gorgeousness, are the most 
pleasant to those to whom rambles among mountain 
paths are a delight. But those who are not afraid of 
the keen, bracing air of the late autumn, will be more 
than repaid w^hen it is clothed in the sear leaf of this 
period. They will then find a landscape which none of 
our artists have yet attempted, among the many views 
they have given of it, and which, if truly rendered, 
would stand unrivalled. 

About the middle of November, when the sun has 
nearly attained its southern limit, and its last level rays 
at the close of the day are thrown in a single beam, 
through the valley between the Crow's Nest and Re- 
doubt Hill, upon the hills on the opposite shore, it 
frequently occurs that the upper sky is covered by a 
mottled veil of clouds ; while along the lower there 
is a narrow unclouded belt, which being reached by the 
sun, the general autumnal sombreness is, as if by a 
stroke of magic, converted into one broad sheet of bright 
copper-colored light overhead, whilst the hill-tops are 
tinged with a golden hue, which, as the sun descends, 
almost imperceptibly creeps along, as if the broad 
brush of an artist were slowly moved along the crests, 
bearing in its path the tint with which it was 
charged. 

This gorgeous scene rapidly dies away, whilst the 
clouds assume their chameleon tints, gradually fading 
through all the gradations of purple to a cold inky hue, 
leaving the spectator in that saddened state of feeling 



History of West Point. 307 

which Lamartine appropriately expresses in his adieux 
to the close of this delightful season : 

"Adieu ! derniers beaux jours. Ce deuil de la nature 
convient k ma douleur et plait k mes regards." 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX. 

APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MILITARY ACADEMY. 

The aggregate amount of money appropriated by the 
United States to defray the expenses of the Military 
Academy, from its establishment, March 16, 1802, to 
June 30, 1864— 

For purchase of the lands ; erection and repairs of 
buildings ; construction of roads, wharfs, fences, water 
and gas works ; purchase of Hbrary, maps, instruments, 
philosophical and chemical apparatus, models in engi- 
neering and drawing ; purchase of minerals ; grading 
ground, &c., &c., &c. 

And for pay and subsistence of Officers, Professors, 
Teachers, and Cadets ; fuel and stationery ; transporta- 
tion of materiel ; stores ; postage ; expenses of Boards of 
Visitors ; Adjutant and Quartermaster's Clerks ; contin- 
gent and incidental expenses, — being for a period of 
sixty-two years, — is as follows : 

AMOUNT APPROPRIATED FOR THE MILITARY ACADEMY FROM 1802 TO 1843, 
INCLUSIVE, AND THEREAFTER ANNUALLY TO DATE. 

1802 to 1843, , $4,002,90115 

1844, April 12 116,845 50 

1845, March 3 188,049 00 

1846, August 8 , 123,976 00 

1847, March 2 124,906 00 

1848, May 31 143,472 00 

1849, February 19. 171,294 00 

1850, September 16 202,535 30 



312 



History of West Point. 



1851, 
1852, 
1853, 
1854, 
1855, 
1856, 
1857, 
1858, 
1859, 
1860, 
1861, 
1862, 
1863, 



March 3 $130,528 00 

August 6 130,050 00 

March 2 150,253 83 

May 10 161,281 00 

March 3 146,940 92 

April 23 158,81)4 00 

February 16 161,179 00 

May 11 182,804 00 

January 12 179,588 00 

June 1 183,796 00 

January 5 184,337 00 

February 10 156,211 00 

January 23 183,394 00 



r,133,235 70 



LIST OP THE SECRETARIES OF WAR, AND THEIR TERM OF SER- 
YICE, FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT 
TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1863. 



NAME. 


STATE. 


1 Henry Knox.. 


Mass. 


2 Timothy Pickering 


Penn. 


3 James McITenry. ....... 


Md. 


4 Saimifl Dexter 


Mass. 


5 EoLcer (Iriswdld . 


Conn. 


6 Henry Dearborn 


Mass. 


7 William Eustis 


Mass. 


8 John Armstrong 


N. Y. 




Va. 
Ga. 


10 William H. Crawford . . 




Va. 
S. C. 


12 John'C. Calhoun 




Va. 
N. Y. 
Tenn. 
Mich. 


14 Peter B Porter 




16 Lewis Cass 


IT Benjamin F. Butler 


N. Y. 


IS Joel R. Poinsett 


S. C. 


19 John Bell 


Tenn. 
N Y. 


20 John C. Spencer 


21 James M. I'ortor 


Penn. 


22 William Wilkiiis 


Penn. 


2:3 William L. iMarov 


N. Y. 


24 George W. Crawford 


Ga. 


25 Winfleld Scott 


U. S. A. 
La. 


20 Charles M. Conrad 


27 Jeft'erson Davis 


Miss. 


28 John B. Floyd 


Va. 


29 Joseph Holt 


Ky. 


30 Simon Cameron 


Penn. 


31 Edwin M. Stanton 


Penn. 



TERM OF SERVICE. 



September 12, 1789. to January 1, 1795. 

January 2, 1795, to December 10, 1796. 

January 27, 1790, to June 1, 1800. 

June 1, ISOO, to December 31, ISOO. 

February 3, 1801, to March 4, 1801. 

March 5, 1801, to March 4, 1809. 

March 7, 1809, to January 13, 1813. 

January 13, 1813, to September 27, 1814. 

8c|iteinber 2T, lsI4, to February 28, 1815. 

March:!, lsir>, to Orlobc-i- '."J. 1^10. 

April 7, IslT, to October 8, 1M7. 

()i-tol>cr S. HIT, to March 4, 1S25. 

March T, ivi."), to May 26, 1823. 

Mav 2i'.. Is-'S. to March 4, 1829. 

Ma'rch 9, 1829, to August 1, 1831. 

August 1, 1831, to October 4, 183a 

Octolxr 4, 1830, ad interim, to March 7, 1S37. 

March 7, 1^37, to March 5, 1841. 

March .\ 1^41. to Octoi.cr 12, 1841. 

0<'tol.cr 12. ls41, to March ^ 1843. 

March 8, lst3, to February 15, 1844. 

Feliruary 15, 1844, to March 5, 1845. 

March 5, 1845, to March 8, 1849. 

March 8, ISW, to July 23, 1850. 

July •-':;. H."ii», (i(/ ill/, rim to Ausust 15, 1850. 

Au^'usr, l.\ K'iK to March 7, lS5;i. 

March 7. \<>-''. to Maicli ::. Is". 

March C, Km, to JanM:ii\ H, IM'.l. 

January 1\ IsCl. to M:in-h .\ Hill. 

March 5, IsOl, to f January 1."), l>i>:i. 

Jauuary, 15, 1SC2 Present. 



Appendix. 



313 



A LIST OF THE INSPECTORS, SUPERINTENDENTS, PROFESSORS, 
TEACHERS, HEADS OP DEPARTMENTS, SURGEONS, AND ADJU- 
TANTS, AND THEIR TERM OF SERVICE AT THE MILITARY 
ACADEMY, FROM ITS ORIGIN TO THE PRESENT DATE. 

^^" Officers whose names are marked with a * are Graduates of the Military Academy. 
INSPECTORS OF THE U. S. MILITARY ACADEMY. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AUD 
NAilK. 


ARMY rank, when 

appointed. 


TERM OF SERVICE. 


FROM 


TO 


1 

2 
3 

4 
5 


Inspectors. 
*Jo8EPH G. Swift. 

♦Walker K. Armistead. 

Alexander Macomb. 

♦Charles Gratiot. 
♦Joseph G. Totten. 


1 Col. Corps of Enst. and 
< Bvt. Brig. -General 
( U. S. A. 
Col. Corps of Ens. 
I Col. Corps of Eng. and 
■< Bvt. Brig. -General 
\ U. S. A. 

( Col. Corps of Eng. and 
■< Bvt. Brig.-General 
1 U. S. A. 
Col. Corps of Eng. 


Feb. 2S, 1S15. 
Nov. 12, 1818. 
June 1, 1S21. 

May 24 1828. 
Dec. 7, 1838. 


Nov. 12, 1818. 
June 1, 1821. 
May 24, 1828. 

Dec. 6, 1838. 
Present. 



SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE U. S. MILITARY ACADEMY, FROM MARCH 
16, 1802, TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1863. 



appointment and 


ARMY RANK, WHEN 


TERM of 


SERVICE. 






FRO.M 


TO 




Superintendents. 








1 


Jonathan Williams. 


Mai. Corps of Kng. 


April, 1802. 


July 31, 1812. 


2 


♦Alden Partridge. 


Capt. Corps of Eng. 

I Col. Corps of Eng. and 


Jan. 3, 1815. 


Nov. 25, 1816. 


3 


♦Joseph G. Swift. 


■< Bvt. Brig.-General 

1 U. S. A. 

Capt. Corps of Eng. 


Nov. 25, 1816. 


Jan. 13, 1817. 


4 


♦Alden Partridge. 


Jan. 13, 1817. 


July 28, 1817. 


5 


♦Stlvanus Thayer. 


j Capt Corps of Eng. 
■) Bvt. Maj. IT. S. A. 
Maj. Corps of Eng. 


July 28, 1817. 


July 1, 1833. 


6 


♦PvEne E. De ErssY. 


July 1, 18.33. 


Sept 1, 183S. 


7 


♦Richard Delafield. 


Maj. Corps of Eng. 


Sept 1, 1838. 


Aug. 15,1845. 


8 


♦Henry Brewerton. 


Capt Corps of Eng. 


Aug. 15, 1845. 


Sept 1, 1852. 


9 


♦Eobeet E. Lee. 


J Capt Corps of Eng. 
1 and Bt Col. U. S. A. 


Sept 1, 1852. 


April 1, 1855. 


10 


♦Jonathan G. Barnard. 


J Capt. Corps of Eng. 
\ and Bt. Mai. TJ. S. A. 


April 1, 1855. 


Sept 8, 1856. 


11 


♦Richard Delafield. 


Maj. Corps of Eng. 


Sept 8, 1856. 


Jan. 23, 1861. 


12 


♦Peter G. T. Beauregard. 


( Capt. Corps ot Eng. 
} and Bt Maj. U. S. A. 


Jan. 28, 1861. 


Jan. 28, 1861. 


13 


♦Richard Delafield. 


Maj. Corps of Eng. 


Jan. 28, 1861. 


March 1, 1861. 


14 


♦Alexander H. Bowman. 


Maj. Corps of Eng. 


March 1, 1861. 


Present 



t DEPARTMENT OF ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY. 



NO. 


appointment and 

NAME. 


ar.my rank, when 
appointed. 


TERM OP SERVICE. 


FROM 


TO 


1 

2 


Instructors. 

♦James G. Benton. 
♦Stephen V. Benet. 


Capt Ordnance. 
1st Lt. Ordnance. 


June 22, 1857. 
May 19, 1861. 


April 26, 1861. 
Present 



t See note to p. 317. 



314 History of West Point. 

depahtment of natubal and experimental philosophy. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 

NAME. 


AKMT BANK, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 


TERM OP SERVICE. 


FROM TO 


1 

2 
3 

1 
2 
3 


Professors. 

Jaeed Mansfotld. 
*Edwap.d II. Courtenat. 
*WilliamH. C. Baetlett. 

Acting Professors. 

Jaeed Mansfield. 
*Edwabd H. Courtenay. 
♦William H. 0. Bartlett. 


Lt.-Col. Corps of Eng. 
2d Lt. Corps of Ens:. 
2d Lt. Corps of Eng. 

Capt. Corps of Ensr. 
2d Lt. Cori)8 of Eng. 
2d Lt. Corps of Eng. 


Oct. 7, 1812. 
Feb. 16, 1829. 
April 20, 1S36. 

May 3, 1802. 
Sept 1, 1828. 
Nov. 22, 1834. 


Aug. 31, 1828. 
Dec. 31, 1834 
Present. 

1803. 
Feb. 16,1829. 
April 20, 1836. 



DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME. 


aemt rank, when 
appointed. 


TEEM OF SERVICE. 


FROM 


TO 


1 

2 
3 
4 
5 

1 
2 
3 


Professors. 

*Alden Paeteidge. 
Andeew Ellicott. 
David B. Douglass. 
♦Charles Davies. 
♦Albert E. Church. 

Acting Professors. 

Wm. Amheest Baeeon. 
Ferdinand E. Hasslee. 
♦Albert E. Cduech. 


Capt. Corps of Eng. 
Capt. Corps of Eng. 
l&t Lt. 3d Artillery. 

Capt. Corps of Eng. 
1st Lt. Sd Artillery. 


April 18, 1813. 
September 1, 1813. 
August 29, 1820. 
May 1, 1823. 
March 13, 1833. 

April 1, 1802. 
Feb. 14, 1807. 
June 1, 1837. 


September 1, 1813. 
August 29, 1820. 
May 1, 1823. 
May 31, 1837. 
Present. 

February 14, 1807. 
February 14, 1810. 
March 13, 1838. 



DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY, AND ETHICS. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME. 


AEMT BANK, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 


TERM OF 8ERVIGE. 


FROM 


TO 


1 

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 

1 


Professors. 

Rev. Cave Jones. 
Kev. Thomas Picton. 
Rev. C. p. McIlvain. 
ItEV. Thomas Warner. 
Kev. Jasper Adams. 
♦Rev. M. p. Parks. 
Rev. William T. Sprole. 
Kev. Joun W. French. 

Acting Professors. 

Rev. Adam Empik, 




April 18, 1818. 
July 23, 18ia 
January 28, 1825. 
January 1, 1828. 
September 1, 1S38. 
December 5, 1840. 
March 2, 1847. 
August 16, 1S56. 

August 9, 1813. 


Jairaary 1, 1825. 
December 31, 1827. 
September 1, 1838. 
November 15, 1840. 
December 31, 1846. 
August 16, 185a 
Present. 

April 80, 1817. 



Appendix. 



315 



DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY, AND GEOLOGY. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME. 


army bank, when 
appointed. 


TERM OF SERVICE. 


FROM TO 


1 

2 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 


Professors. 

♦Jacob W. Bailey. 
*Henbt L. Kendrick. 

Acting Professors. 

James CuTBrsn. 
James G. Percival. 
John Tokret. 
♦William F. Hopkins. 
♦Jacob W. Bailey. 


1st Lt. 1st Artillery. 

J Capt. 2d Art'y, and Bt. 

\ Major U. S. A. 

Post, Surgeon. 
Asst. Surgeon. 
Asst. Surgeon. 
2d Lt. 4th Artillery. 
2d Lt. 1st Artillery. 


July 8, 1838. 
March 3, 1S5T. 

September 1, 1820. 
March 4, 1824. 
August 25, 1824. 
Sept. 1, 1828. 
August 31, 1835. 


February 26, 1857. 
Present. 

December 15, 1828. 
July 6, 1824. 
August 31, 1828. 
August 31, 1835. 
July 8, 1838. 



DEPARTMENT OF DRAWING. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME, 


ABMY BANK, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 


TERM OP SERVICE. 


FROM 


TO 


1 
1 

2 
3 
4 
5 


Professors. 

Egbert W. Weir. 

Teachers. 

cliristian e. zoeller. 
Christian E. Zoeller. 
Thomas Gembrede. 
Charles E. Leslie. 
Robert "W. Weir. 




August 8, 1846. 

September 1, 1808. 
July 1, 1812. 
January 5, 1S19. 
March 2, 1833. 
May 8, 1834. 


Present. 

April 30, 1810. 
January 5, 1819. 
December 25, 1832. 
April 15, 1834. 
August 8, 1846. 



DEPARTMENT OF FRENCH. 



NO. 


appointment and 

NAME. 


army bank, when 
appointed. 


teem of service. 


from 


to 


1 

2 

1 
2 
3 

1 

2 
3 


Professors. 

CLArDItlS Berakd. 
H. R. Agnel. 

First Teachers. 

Francis De Masson. 
Florimond De Masson. 
Claudius Bebaed. 

\ Second Teachers. 

Joseph Dtt Commun. 
Julian Molinaed. 
H. R. Agnel. 




August 8, 1846. 
May 16, 1848. 

March 27, 1804. 
March 81, 1812. 
January 8, 1815. 

March 1, 1818. 
September 1, 1831. 
February 4, 1840. 


May 6, 1848. 
Present. 

March 81, 1812. 
January 3, 1815. 
August 8, 1846. 

August 81, 1881. 
September 12, 1839. 
May 16, 1848. 



+ The Second Teacher of French was discontinued, by order of the Secretary of War, June 29th, 
184S. 



316 



History of West Point, 
depaetment of spanish. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 

NAME. 


AKMT RANK, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 


TEEM OP SERVICE. 


FROM 


TO 


1 


Professors. 
Patbice db Janon. 




Jnly 1, 1S5T. 


Sept 16, 1S63. 



DEPAKTMENT OF INFANTRY TACTICS. 



APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME. 



ARMY RANK, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 



TERM OF SERVICE. 



Commandants of Cadets. 

John Bliss. 
♦John R. Bell. 
William J. Worth. 
*Ethan a. Hitchcock. 
John Fowle. 
*Charles F. Smith. 
*JoHN A. Thomas. 
♦Bradford K. Alden. 

♦Robert 8. Garnett. 



♦William H. T. Walker. 
♦William J. Hardee. 



12 ♦John F. Reynolds. 

13 ♦Christopher C. Aitgttb. 

14 *Kenner Garrard. 

15 ♦Henry B. Clitz. 



Capt. 6th Infantry. 
Capt. Lt. Artillery. 
Bvt. Maj. 2(1 Infantry. 
Capt. 1st Infantry. 
Maj. 3d Infantry. 
Ist'Lt. 2d Artillery. 
1st Lt. 3d Artillery. 
Capt. 4th Infantry. 
( Capt. 7th Infantry 
.< and Bvt. Major U. 
I S. A. 

I Major 10th Infantrv 
{ and Bvt. Lt.-Co"l. 
I U. S. A. 
i Maj. 2d Cavalry and 
l Bvt. Lt.-Col. U. S. 
I A. 

i Capt. 3d Artillery 
i. and Bvt. Major U. 
( S. A. 

Major 13th Infantry. 
Capt. 5th Cavalry. 
Major 12th Infantry. 



April 2, 1818. 
February 8, 1819. 
March 17, 1820. 
March 13, 1829. 
July 10, 1833. 
April 1, 1S3S. 
September 1, 1842. 
December 14, 1845. 

November 1, 1852. 



July 31, 1854. 



July 22, 1856. 



September 8, 1860. 

August 26, 1861. 
iDecember 5, 1861. 
October 28, 1862. 



January 11, 1819. 
March 17, 1820. 
December 2, 1828. 
June 24, 1833. 
March 31, 1838. 
September 1, 1S42. 
December 14, 1S45. 
November 1, 1852. 

July 31, 1854. 



May 27, 1856. 
September 8, 1860. 

June 25, 1861. 

December 5, 1861. 
September 25,1862, 
Present. 



+ DEPARTMENT OF PRACTICAL ENGINEERING. 



NO. 


appointment and 

NAME. 


army rank, when 
appointed. 


term op service. 


FROM 


to 


1 

2 
8 

4 

5 
6 


Jnstmctors. 

♦Alexander J. Swift. 
♦Frederic A. Smith. 
♦George W. Ctjlltjm. 

♦Jonathan G. Barnard. 

♦Andrew J. Donelson. 
♦James C. Duane. 


Capt. Corps of Eng. 
Capt. Corps of Eng. 
Capt. Corps of Eng. 

( Capt. Corps of Eng. ) 
< and Bvt. Major U. > 

I S. A. \ 
Ist Lt. Corps Eng. 
1st Lt. Corps Eng. 


June 30, 1841. 
September 12, 1846. 
March 25, 1848. 

March 2, 1855. 

September 9, 1856. 
October 15, 1858. 


September 12,1846. 
March 2,5, 1848. 
March 2d, 1855. 

September 8, 1856. 

October 15, 1858. 
(Detached Jan. 18, 
1861.) 



+ Upon the recommendation of the Chief Engineer, on April 24th, 1844, the Secretary of War 
directed that " An Officer of the Corps of Engineers shall be assigned to the Military Academy, 
as Instructor la practical Military Engineering ; and shall be a, member of the Academic 
Board." 



Appendix. 317 

department of civil and military engineering. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME. 


ARMY RANK, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 


TEEM OF SERVICE. 


FROM 


TO 


1 

2 
3 
4 

1 


Professors. 

*Alden Partridge. 
Claude Crozet 
David B, Douglass. 
♦Dennis H. Mahan. 

Acting Professors, 

*Denni8 H. Mahan. 


Capt. Corps of Eng. 
2d Lt. Corps of Eng. 

2dLt. Corps of Eng. 


Sept. 1, 1S13. 
March 6, 1S17. 
May 1, 1823. 
Jan. 1, 1832. 

March 1, 1831. 


Dec. 31, 1816. 
April 28, 1823. 
March 1, 1831. 
Present. 

Jan. 1, 1S32. 



t DEPARTMENT OF ARTILLERY AND CAVALRY. 



10 



APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME. 



Instructors. 

*GeOKGE W. GrABDINER. 

Fabius Whiting. 
*Z. J. D. Kinsley. 
♦Robert Anderson. 
♦Miner Knowlton. 
♦K. D. Keyes. 
♦William H. Shover. 

♦George H. Thomas. 



♦Frrz John Porter. 



♦Henry F. Clarke. 



ARMY RANK, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 



2(1 Lt. Corps of Artillery. 
Capt. Corps of Artillery. 
2d Lt. 3d Artillery. 
1st Lt. 3d Artillery. 
Ist Lt. 1st Artillery. 
Capt. 3d Artillery. 
Bvt. M.aj. 3d Artillery. 
Ist Lt. 3d Artillery 1 
and Bvt. Major U. > 
' 8.A. ^ f 

IstLt. 4th Artillery I 
and Bvt. Major U. v 
' S. A. i 

. 1st. Lt. 2d Artillery ) 
and Bvt. Captain y 
' U. S. A. I 



TERM OP SERVICE. 



September 15, 1817. 
August 15, 1820. 
December 18, 1823. 
December 1, 1835. 
November 9, 1837. 
July 25, 1844. 
December 24, 1848, 

April 3, 1851. 



May 1, 1854. 
September 11, 1855. 



February 1, 1820. 
August 7, 1821. 
December 1, 1835. 
November 6, 1837. 
July 1, 1844. 
December 24, 1848. 
September 8, 1850. 

May 1, 1854. 



September 11,1855. 
August 6, 1856. 



SURGEONS. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME. 


army rank, when 
appointed. 


term or SERVICE. 


FROM 


TO 


1 

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 


Stirgeons. 

Samuel A. Walsh. 
James Cutbush. 
Josiah Everett. 
Walter V. Wheaton. 
Charles McDougall. 
J. J. B. Wright. 
John M. Cutler. 
Samuel P. Moore. 
Charles McDougall. 
John F. Head. 
Eugene H. Abadie. 


Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 
Surgeon. 


Aug. 9, 181.3. 
June 22, 1820. 
Aug. 6, 1822. 
Nov. 10, 1826. 
Sept. IS, 1846. 
June 20, 1848. 
Dec. 12, 1&4S. 
June 2, 1855. 
April 2, 1860. 
Jan'y 23, 1862. 
July 3, 1862. 


*' June 22, 1820. 
Nov. 18, 1821. 
Nov. 10, 1826. 
May 1. 1846. 
June 20,1848. 
Dec. 12, 1848. 
April 3, 1855. 
April 2, 1860. 
Jan. 23, 1862. 
July 8, 1862. 
Present. 



+ On December 5th, 1856, the Academic Board recommended that the portion of the course 
of Artillery not included in the " Tactics" be taught in a separate Department, under the title of 
Ordnance and Gunnery. The recommendation was approved by the Secretary of War. Decem- 
ber 31st, 1856. 



318 



History of West Point, 
adjutants. 



NO. 


appointment and 

NAME. 


ARMY RANK, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 


term of service. 


FRO.M 


TO 


1 

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 

10 
11 
12 
13 

14 

15 

16 

17 
18 
19 


Adjutants. 

♦George W. Gardiner. 
♦James D. Graham. 
♦George W. Gardiner. 
♦George Blaney. 
Patrick H. Galt. 
♦George Blaney. 
♦Henry 11. Gird. 
♦Frederick L. Griffith. 
♦Charles F. Smith. 
♦George G. Waggaman. 
♦Joseph Hooker. 
♦Irvin McDowell. 
♦Isaac S. K. Eeeves. 

♦Setii Williams. 

♦Fitz John Porter. 

♦James B. Fry. 
♦Samuel B. Holabird. 
♦Herman Biggs. 
♦Edward C. Boynton. 


2d Lt. Corps Artillery. 
3d Lt. Corps Artillery. 
1st Lt. Corps of Art'y. 
1st Lt. Corps of Eng. 
1st Lt. 2d Artillery, 
let Lt. Corps of Eng. 
2d Lt. 4th Artillery. 
Ist Lt. 2d Artillery. 
2d Lt. 2d Artillery. 
1st Lt. 1st Artillery. 
IstLt. 1st Artillery. 
2d Lt. 1st Artillery. 
IstLt. 1st Artillery, 
j 1st Lt. 1st Art'y, Bt. 
1 Capt. U. S. A. 
J 1st Lt. 4th ArtV, Bt. 
1 Major U. S. A. 
1st Lt. 1st Artillery. 
1st Lt. 1st. Infantry. 
2d Lt. 1st Infantry. 
Capt. 11th Infantry. 


Oct. 12, 1816. 
Oct. 12,1817. 
Feb. 10, 1819. 
March 9, 1820. 
May 20, 1821. 
Aug, 12, 1S22. 
June 9, 1824. 
May 14, 1827. 
Sept. 1, 1831. 
Feb. 17, 1839. 
July 1, 1841. 
Nov. 11, 1841. 
Oct. 81, 1846. 

Sept. 28, 1850. 

Sept. 1, 1853. 

July 31, 1854. 
Sept. 2, 1859. 
May 13, 1861. 
Oct. 10, 1861. 


Sept. 15, 1817. 
Feb. 10, 1819. 
March 9, 1820. 
March 1, 1821. 
May 13, 1822. 
May 25, 1824. 
Apr. 20, 1827. 
Sept. 1,18-31. 
April 1, 1838. 
July 1, 1841. 
Oct. 8, 1841. 
Oct. 8, 1845. 
Sept. 28, 1850. 

Sept. 1, 1858. 

May 1, 1854 

Aug. 31, 1859. 
May 13, 1861. 
Oct. 10, 1861. 
Present. 



SWORD-MASTERS. 



NO. 


APPOINTMENT AND 
NAME. 


army bank, when 
appointed. 


term of service. 


from 


to 


1 

2 
8 

4 
5 
6 

7 


Sicord- Masters. 

Pierre Thomas. 
Pierre Trainque. 
Louis S. Simon. 
Nicholas A. Jumel. 
Ferdinand Dupare. 
Patrice de Janon. 
Antone Lorentz. 




March 1, 1814 
Dec. 13, 1825. 
Oct. 5, 1826. 
Dec. 1, 18.31. 
Feb. 16, 1837. 
Jan. 6, 1846. 
March 30, 1858. 


Dec. 12, 1825. 
June 27, 1826. 
Nov. 30, 1831. 
Feb. 15, 1837. 
July 31, 1840. 
July 1, 1857. 
Present 



+ riding-masters. 



NO. 
1 

2 
8 


appointment and 

NAME. 


army rank, WHEN 
APPOINTED. 


term of service. 


PROM 


TO 


Riding- Masters. 

James McAtjley. 
Henry li. Hershbergek. 
F. R. 0. DE Beville. 


* 


June 11, 1839. 
Jan. 6, 1842. 
Nov. 1, 1850. 


Jan. 1,1842. 
Sept 18, 1848. 
Sept 9, 1852. 



+ since 1852, the exercises in Hiding have been conducted by cavalry officers of the army. 



Appendix. 319 

The number of Cadets actually admitted into the 
Military Academy from its origin, with the States and 
Territories whence appointed, is shown in the following 
tables. 



320 



History of West Point. 



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History of West Point. 



321 



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NOTE.- 

believed t 
seceded St 
examined 



322 



History of West Point. 






H 
P 
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9 



Appendix. 



323 



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324 



History of West Point. 



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326 



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Appendix. 



127 



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328 



History of West Point. 



p4 


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•9JJ§1 



Appendix. 



329 




A 
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History of West Point. 



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Appendix. 



33^ 




MILITARY ACADEMY BAND. 



The Band at the Military Academy, and its profes- 
sional reputation, date from 1818 ; its origin and pro- 
gress, therefore, may be here appropriately introduced. 
The company of " Bombardiers, Sappers, and Miners," 
raised under the Act of April 29, 1812, had been for 
many years stationed at West Point. Under the Act 
of March 2d, 1821, this company was disbanded* on 
May 31st, following, by the order of the Superintendent ; 
" but the Military Band and martial music belonging to 
the company, having been enlisted for the service of the 
Academy, are to be retained." By this order fifteen 
musicians became attached to, and have ever since been 



* Captain Panning' s Company "A," of the Second Artillery, was then 
ordered to West Point, and there remained until November, 1827, at which time 
it was reheved by Captain Whiting's Company " F," Fourth Artillery. 

On April 28th. 1829, and August 17th following, orders were issued from the 
Adjutant-G-eneral's Office, at Washington, transferring this company to New Yorli, 
and authorizing the Superintendent of the Military Academy to enlist a number 
of musicians, artificers, and privates, equal to the full strength of a company of 
Artillery, who were to be mustered as a detaclament from the army, at the MQi- 
tary Academy. The Superintendent was further authorized to appoint a full 
complement of non-commissioned officers, and to designate an officer among those 
on duty at the Academy, to command the whole. — [Official Records TJ. S. M. A.] 



66{ 



History of West Point. 



enrolled as, the " musicians attached to the companies of 
cadets." 

Section 3 of the Act of April 29th, 1812, provides that 
the cadets " shall be arranged into companies of non- 
commissioned officers and privates, according to the 
directions of the Commandant of Engineers, and be 
officered from the said corps for the purposes of military 
instruction ; and that there shall be added to each com- 
pany of cadets four musicians." As the number of 
companies into which the corps of cadets was to be divi- 
ded is not specified by law, the number of musicians w^as 
previous to 1821, not determined. By an arrangement 
made between the Paymaster-General and the Super- 
intendent, a company of Infantry or of Artillery was, 
selected as the basis of an organization ; and on Septem- 
ber 9, 1821, twenty musicians, with the pay and emolu- 
ments of musicians in the army, were, by authority 
of the first named officer, attached to the Corps of 
Cadets. 

As the cadets are organized for battalion exercises 
and instruction into eight companies, at which time the 
musicians are present, thirty-two musicians are now 
regarded as the limit, and constitute at present the 
strength of the Band. Whether this organization be 
lawful or not, it has been acquiesced in for many years. 
The musicians are enlisted and paid as soldiers ; there 
being an extra or additional pay, not exceeding five 
dollars j)er month, paid those who are skilful, from a 
fund derived by a monthly tax of twenty-five cents on 
each cadet. 

The Field Music, six drummers and six fifers, are 
furnished under the authority of the Adjutant-General 



Appendix. 337 

of the army, bearing date in 1841, also in October, 
1847. 

The position of " Teacher of Music " is provided hy 
law, the compensation being regulated by the Secretary 
of War. The names of those who have held this 
appointment are herewith given : 

Richard Willis, June 16, 1817, to February, 1830. 
Died. 

Alexander Kyle, July 1st, 1830, to December, 1833. 

Joseph Lucchesi, March 5, 1834, to November 1, 
1840. [Principal Musician.] 

James K. Kendall, November 1, 1840, to February 
2, 1843. Resigned. 

Augustus Apelles, March 14, 1843. Present. 

The early uniform of the Band, prescribed by the 
Superintendent, October 20, 1822, was of white cassi- 
mere, the collar, sleeves, and skirts being faced with 
red, with pantaloons of the same white material, bear- 
ing a red stripe. The army dress cap, sword, and an 
upright white feather, with a red top, completed the 
costume. It was changed in May, 1850, to assimilate 
with the uniform then adopted throughout the army. 



ABSTRACTS OF ALL THE ACTS OF CONGRESS, 

UNDER THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT, PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF CADETS 
IN THE ARMY, AND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ORGANIZATION OF THE 
XJHITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. 

Chapter XXIV. — Act of May 9, 1794. — Organizes a 
Corps of Artillerists and Engineers. 
Sec. 3. — Provides for four Companies, &c., each Com- 



338 History of West Point. 

pany to have two Cadets, with the pay, clothing, and 
rations of a Sergeant.* 

Sec. 5. — That it shall be the duty of the Secretary 
of War to provide, at the public expense, under such 
regulations as shall be directed by the President of the 
United States, the necessary books, instruments, and 
apparatus, for the use and benefit of the said Corps. 

Chapter XXXIII. — Act of April 27, 1798. — Provides 
for an additional Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. 

Sec. 1. — Provides for three battalions, each to con- 
tain four Companies, and to include two Cadets, with 
the pay, clothing, and rations of a Sergeant. 

Sec. 3. — That the Secretary of War shall provide, at 
the public expense, under the direction of the President 
of the United States, all necessary books, instruments, 
and apparatus, for the use and benefit of the said regi- 
ment. 

Chapter LXXVI. — Act of July 16, 1798. — To augment 
the Armjj of the United States, and for other purposes.'^ 
Sec. 6. — Provides, That the monthly pay of Cadets 
shall be ten dollars, and two rations per day. 

Sec. 7. — That the President of the United States be, 
and he hereby is authorized to appoint a number, not 
exceeding four, teachers of the arts and sciences neces- 
sary for the instruction of the Artillerists and Engineers, 



* Chapter LXXVL, Act July 16, 1798, Sec. 6 ; Chapter XLVIIL, Act March 3, 
1799, Sec. 3; and Chapter IX., Act March 16, 1802, Sees. 4, 5, and 26— fixing the 
pay and rations of Cadets. 

f Repealed by Act of March 16, 1802, Chapter IX. 



Appendix. 339 

who shall be entitled to the monthly pay of fifty dollars, 
and two rations per day. 

Chapter XL VIII.— Act of March 3, 1799.— For the 
better organi2ing of the Troops of the United States, and 
for other purposes.'^ 

Sec. 1. — That the troops heretofore authorized, and 
which hereafter may be authorized to be raised, shall 
be composed and organized as follows, to wit : A Regi- 
ment of Infantry, * * * * * * ^ Regiment of 
Cavalry, ***** * ^ Regiment of Artil- 
lery, ****** And the Infantry and Cav- 
alry Regiments shall each have ten Cadets, and the 
Regiment of Artillery shall have thirty-two. 

Sec. 3. — The pay of a Cadet of Cavalry shall be ten 
dollars j^er month, two rations per day, or an equivalent 
in money, and six dollars per month for forage when 
not furnished. All other Cadets ten dollars per month, 
and two rations per day, or an equivalent in money. 

Chapter IX. — Act of March 16, 1802. — Fixing the Mili- 
tary/ Peace EstahUshment of the United States.^ 

Sec. 2. — That the regiment of Artillerists shall con- 
sist of * * * * *^ g^jj(j twenty Companies ; each 
Company shall have two Cadets. 

Sec. 4. — Fixes the monthly pay of a Cadet at ten 
dollars. 

Sec. 5. — Allows a Cadet two rations, or money in lieu 
thereof, at the option of the Cadet. 



* Repealed and supplied by Act of March 16, 1802, Chapter IX. 
f See Act of April 29, 1812, Chapter LXXII. 



340 History of West Point. 

Sec. 26. — That the President of the United States is 
hereby authorized and empowered, when he shall deem 
it expedient, to organize and establish a Corps of Engi- 
neers, to consist of one Engineer, with the pay, rank, 
and emoluments of a major ; two Assistant Engineers, 
with the pay, rank, and emoluments of captains ; two 
other Assistant Engineers, with the pay, rank, and 
emoluments of first lieutenants ; two other Assistant 
Engineers, w^ith the pay, rank, and emoluments of 
second lieutenants ; and ten Cadets, with the pay of 
sixteen dollars per month, and two rations per day : 
and the President of the United States is, in like man- 
ner, authorized, when he shall deem it f)roper, to make 
such promotions in the said Corps, with a view to par- 
ticular merit, and without regard to rank, so as not to 
exceed one Colonel, one Lieutenant-Colonel, two Majors, 
four Captains, four First Lieutenants, four Second 
Lieutenants, and so as that the number of the whole 
Corps shall, at no time, exceed twenty officers and 
Cadets. 

Sec. 27. — That the said Corps, when so organized, 
shall be stationed at West Point, in the State of New 
York, and shall constitute a Military Academy; and 
the Engineers, Assistant Engineers, and Cadets of the 
said Corps, shall be subject, at all times, to do duty in 
such places, and on such service as the President of the 
United States shall direct. 

Sec. 28. — That the principal Engineer, and in his 
absence the next in rank, shall have the superintend- 
ence of the said Military Academy, under the direction 
of the President of the United States ; and the Secre- 
tary of War is hereby authorized, at the public expense, 



Appendix. 341 

* * * to procure the necessary books, implements, and 
apparatus for the use and benefit of the said Institution. 

Chapter XIII. — Act of February 28, 1803. — In addi- 
tion to an Act entitled '"''An Act fixing the Military 
Peace Establishment of the United States^ 

Sec. 2. — Authorizes the President of the United 
States to appoint one teacher of the French language, 
and one teacher of Drawing,* to be attached to the 
Corps of Engineers, whose compensation shall not 
exceed the pay and emolument of a captain in the line 
of the army. 

Sec. 3. — Authorizes the Commanding Officer of the 
Corps of Engineers to enlist one artificer and eighteen 
men, to aid in making practical experiments, and for 
other purposes. 

Chapter XLIII. — Act of April 12, 1808. — To raise for 
a limited time an additional Military Force. 

Provides for raising five regiments of Infantry, one 
regiment of Riflemen, one regiment of Light Artillery, 
and one regiment of Light Dragoons. 

Sec. 2. — Provides, That the said regiments of Infan- 
try, Riflemen, and Artillery, shall consist of ten com- 
panies each, and the regiment of Light Dragoons of 
eight troops ; and each company to have two Cadets. 

Chapter XIV. — Act of January 11, 1812. — To raise an 
additional Military Force. 

That there be immediately raised ten regiments of 

* The Teachers of Drawing and French made Profesaors, Chap. 96, Act of 
Aug. 8, 1846, Sec, 3. 
23 



342 History of West Point. 

Infantry, two regiments of Artillery, and one regiment 
of Light Dragoons. * * * 

Sec. 2. — Provides that each regiment of Artillery 
shall have forty Cadets, and the regiment of Cavalry 
shall have twenty-four Cadets. 

Chapter LXXII. — Act of April 29, 1812. — Making 
further provision for the Corps of Engineers j^ 

That there be added to the Corps of Engineers, two 
captains, two first lieutenants, with the usual pay and 
emoluments, according to their grades, respectively, 
and one paymaster, to be taken from the subalterns of 
Engineers, with the pay and emoluments of a regi- 
mental paymaster ; and that there be attached to the 
said Corps, either from the troops now in service, or by 
riew enlistments, as the President of the United States 
may direct, four sergeants, four corporals, one teacher 
of music, four musicians, nineteen artificers, and sixty- 
two men; which non-commissioned officers, musicians, 
artificers, and men, together with the artificers and men 
already belonging to the Corps of Engineers, shall be 
formed into a company, to be styled a Company of 
Bombardiers, Sappers, and Miners, and be officered from 
the Corps of Engineers, according as the commanding 
officer of that Corps may, with the approbation of the 
President of the United States, direct. And the said 
non-commissioned officers, musicians, artificers, and men, 
shall be allowed the same pay and emoluments as are 
allowed to the non-commissioned officers, musicians, 
artificers, and men in the regiment of Artillerists. 

* See Act of March 16, 1802, Chap. 9 ; and Act of July 5, 1838, Chap. 162. 



Appendix. 343 

Sec. 2. — That the Military Academy shall consist of 
the Corps of Engineers, and the following professors, in 
addition to the Teachers of the French language and 
Drawing, already provided,* viz. : one Professor of 
Natural and Experimental Philosophy, with the pay 
and emoluments of lieutenant-colonel, if not an officer 
of the Corps, and if taken from the Corps, then so much 
in addition to his pay and emoluments as shall equal 
those of a lieutenant-colonel; one Professor of Mathe- 
matics, with the pay and emoluments of a major, if not 
an officer of the Corps, and if taken from the Corps, then 
so much in addition to his pay and emoluments as shall 
equal those of a major; one Professor of the Art of 
Engineering, in all its branches, with the pay and 
emoluments of a major, if not an officer of the Corps, and 
if taken from the Corps, then so much in addition to his 
pay and emoluments as shall equal those of a major. 
Each of the foregoing Professors to have an Assistant 
Professor, which Assistant Professor shall be taken 
from the most prominent characters of the officers or 
cadets, and receive the j)ay and emoluments of captains, 
and no other pay or emoluments while performing these 
duties : Provided, that nothing herein contained shall 
entitle the Academical Staff, as such, to any command in 
the army separate from the Academy. 

Sec. 3. — That the cadets heretofore appointed in the 
service of the United States, whether of Artillery, Cav- 
alry, Riflemen, or Infantry, or that may in future be 
appointed as hereinafter provided, shall at no time ex- 
ceed two hundred and fifty : that they may be attached 

* Act of Feb. 28, 1803, Chap. 13, Sec. 2. 



344 History of West Point. 

at the discretion of the President of the United States, 
as students to the Military Academy, and be subject to 
the established regulations thereof ; that they shall be 
arranged into companies of non-commissioned officers 
and privates, according to the directions of the Com- 
mandant of Engineers, and be officered from the said 
Corps, for the purposes of military instruction; that 
there shall be added to each company of cadets four 
musicians : and the said Corps shall be trained and 
taught all the duties of a private, non-commissioned 
officer, and officer, be encamped at least three months 
of each year, and taught all the duties incident to a reg- 
ular camp; that the candidates for cadets be not under 
the age of fourteen nor above the age of twenty-one 
years ; that each cadet, previously to his appointment 
by the President of the United States, shall be well 
versed in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and that he 
shall sign articles, with the consent of his parent or 
guardian, by which he shall engage to serve five years, 
unless sooner discharged; and all such cadets shall be 
entitled to and receive the pay and emoluments now 
allowed by law to cadets in the Corps of Engineers. 

Sec. 4. — That when any cadet shall receive a regular 
degree from the Academical Staff, after going through all 
the classes, he shall be considered as among the candi- 
dates for a commission in any Corps, according to the 
duties he may be judged competent to perform ; and in 
case there shall not at the time be a vacancy in such 
Corps, he may be attached to it at the discretion of the 
President of the United States, by brevet of the lowest 
grade, as a supernumerary officer, with the usual pay 
and emoluments of such grade, until a vacancy shall 



Appendix. 345 

happen : Provided, That there shall not be more than 
one supernumerary officer to any one company at the 
same time. 

Sec. 5. — That $25,000 be appropriated for erecting 
buildings, and for providing an apparatus, a library, and 
all necessary implements, and for such contingent ex- 
penses as may be necessary and proper, in the judgment 
of the President of the United States, for such an insti- 
tution. 

Sec. 6. — That so much of the twenty-sixth section of 
the Act entitled "An Act fixing the Military Peace 
Establishment, passed the sixteenth day of March, 
1802," as confines the selection of the Commander of 
the Corps of Engineers to the said corps, be, and the 
same is hereby repealed. 

Chapter LXXIX. — Act of March 3, 1815. — Fixing the 
Militari/ Peace Establishment of the United States^' 

Sec. 1. — That the Military Peace Establishment of 
the United States shall consist of such proportions of 
Artillery, Infantry, and Riflemen, not exceeding, in the 
whole, ten thousand men, as the President of the United 
States shall judge proper, and that the Corps of Engi- 
neers, as at present established, be retained. 

Chapter LXI. — Act of April 14, 1818. — Regulating the 

Staff of the Army. 

Sec. 2. — * * * * [Provides] One Chaplain to 

be stationed at the Military Academy at West Point, 

who shall also be Professor of Geography, History, and 

* This act, and such intervening acts as relate to organization, are superseded 
by the provisions of March 2, 1821, Chap. 13. 



346 History of West Point. 

Ethics, with the pay and emoluments allowed the Pro- 
fessor of Mathematics. 

Chapter XIII. — Act of March 2, 1821. — To reduce and 
fix the Military Peace Estahlishment of the United 
States. 

Sec. 3. — That the Corps of Engineers (Bombardiers 
excepted), and the Topographical Engineers, and their 
Assistants, shall he retained in the service, as at present 
organized.* 

Chapter CLXII. — ^Act of July 5, 1838. — To increase the 
present Military Estahlishment of the United States, and 
for other purposes. 

Sec. 2. — That the President of the United States be, 
and he is hereby authorized to add to the Corps of En- 
gineers,f whenever he may deem it expedient to increase 
the same, one lieutenant-colonel, two majors, six cap- 
tains, six first and six second lieutenants ; and that the 
pay and emoluments of the said Corps shall be the same 
as those allowed to the officers of the regiment of 
Dragoons. 

Sec. 3. — That so much of the Act J passed the twenty- 
ninth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and 
twelve, entitled " An Act making further provision for 
the Corps of Engineers," as provides that one paymaster 
shall be taken from the subalterns of the Corps of Engi- 
neers, be, and the same is hereby repealed ; and that the 

* Act of March IG, 1802, Chap. 9, Sees. 26 and 27. 

f Added, one company of engineer soldiers, by Act of May 15, 1846, Chap. 21; 
by Act of August 3,1861, Chap. 42, Sees. 3 and 4, three first and three second lieu- 
tenants, and three companies of soldiers; and by Act of August 6, 1861, Chap. 51, 
two heutenant-colonels and four majors. 

X Chap. 72, Sec. 1. 



Appendix. 347 

paymaster so authorized and provided be attached to the 
pay department, and be in every respect, placed on the 
footing of other paymasters of the Army. 

Sec. 19. — That an additional* Professor be appointed 
to instruct in the studies of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and 
Geology, with the pay and emoluments now allowed to 
the Professor of Mathematics ; and that the Secretary 
of War may assign to the said Professor an Assistant, to 
be taken from the officers of the line or Cadets ; which 
Assistant Professor will receive the pay and emoluments 
allowed to other Assistant Professors. 

Sec. 28. — That the term for which Cadets hereafter 
admitted into the Military Academy at West Point shall 
engage to serve, be, and the same is hereby, increased to 
f eight years, unless sooner discharged. 

Chapter L. — ^Act of July 20, 1840. — To provide for the 
support of the Military Academy for the year eighteen 
hundred and forty. 

Sec. 2. — That the Commander of the Corps of Cadets 
at the MiHtary Academy shall be either the instructor 
of infantry tactics, of cavalry and artillery tactics, or 
of practical engineering, and that his pay and emolu- 
ments shall in no case be less than the compensation 
allowed by law to the Professor of Mathematics ; and 
that the pay and emoluments of the Instructors in these 
branches shall in no case be less than is allowed by law 
to the Assistant Professor of Mathematics. 



* Act of April 29, 1812, Chap, f 2, for Professors and Assistants, and pay of. 
f Five years, by Act of April 29, 1812, Chap. 72, Sec. 3. 



348 History of West Point. 

Sec. 3. — That the Assistant Professor of Ethics shall 
be allowed the same compensation as is now allowed by 
law to the other Assistant Professors in the institution. 

Chapter CLXXXVI.— Act of August 23, 1842.— i?e- 
specting the Organization of the Army, and for other 
purposes. 

Sec. 6. — That the rations authorized to be allowed to 
a Brigadier while Commander-in-Chief, and to each 
officer while commanding a separate post, by the Act 
of March third, seventeen hundred and ninety-seven, 
and to the commanding officers of each separate post, by 
the Act of March sixteen, eighteen hundred and two, shall 
hereafter be allowed to the following officers and no 
others : to the Major-General commanding the Army, and 
to every officer commanding in chief a separate army, 
actually in the field; to the Generals commanding the East- 
ern and Western geographical divisions ; to the Colonels 
or other officers commanding military geographical de- 
partments ; to the Commandant of each permanent or fixed 
post, garrisoned with troops, including the Superintendent of 
the Military Academy at West Point, who is regarded as 
the Commandant of that post. 



* 



Chapter LIT. — Act of March 1, 1843. — Maldng Appro- 
priations for the support of the Army and of the Mil- 
itary Academy, &c., &c., for the fiscal year ending the 
thirtieth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and 
forty-four. 
Sec. 2.— * * * * Provided, That hereafter, in 

all cases of appointments of Cadets to the West Point 

* The italicized repealed by Act of Aug. 3, 18G1, Chap. 42, Sec. 19. 



Appendix. 349 

Academy, the individual selected shall be an actual 
resident of the Congressional district of the State or 
Territory, or District of Columbia, from which the 
appointment purports to be made : And provided fur- 
ther, That the number of Cadets by appointments here- 
after to be made, shall be limited to the number of the 
representatives and delegates in Congress, and one for 
the District of Columbia, and that each Congressional 
and Territorial district and District of Columbia shall be 
entitled to have one Cadet at the said Academy: Pro- 
vided, That nothing in this section shall prevent the 
appointment of an additional number of Cadets not 
exceeding ten to be appointed at large, without being 
confined to a selection by Congressional districts.* 
* * * Provided, That hereafter there shall not be 
a board of visitors appointed to visit the West Point 
Academy, unless otherwise ordered by Congress.f 

Chapter XLVIL — Act of March 3, 1845. — Making 
Appropriations for the support of the Military Academy^ 
for the year ending the thirtieth of June^ eighteen hun- 
dred and forty-six. 

Sec. 2. — That from and after the thirtieth June, 
eighteen hundred and forty-five, the pay of a Cadet shall 
be twenty-four dollars per month, in lieu of the present 
pay and emoluments. | 



* See Act of August 3, 1861, Chap. 42, Sec. 8, for conditions of re-admission after 
discharge, &c. 

\ Re-established by Act of Aug. 8, 1846, Chap. 96, Sec. 2. 

\ $16 a month and two rations per day. Chap. 9, Act of March 16, 1802, Sec. 26; 
increased to $30 per month, Chap. 119, Act of March 3, 1857. 



350 History of West Point. 

Chapter XXI. — Act of May 15, 1846. — For the Organ- 
ization of a Company of Saj)pers, Miners, and Ponto- 
niers. 

Sec. 4. — That the said engineer company shall be 
attached to and compose a part of the Corps* of Engi- 
neers, and be officered by officers of that corps, as at 
present organized ; they shaU be instructed in and per- 
form all the duties of sappers, miners, and pontoniers, and 
shall aid in giving practical instructions in these branches 
at the Military Academy, &c. 

Chapter XCVI. — Act of August 8, 1846. — MaMng Ap- 
propriations for the support of the Military Academy, 
for the year ending on tJie thirtieth of June, eighteen 
hundred and forty-seven. 

Sec. 2. — That the President be authorized to appoint 
a board of visitors, to attend the annual examination of 
the Military Academy, whose duty it shall be to report 
to the Secretary of War, for the information of Congress, 
at the commencement of the next succeeding session, the 
actual state of the discipline, instruction, police adminis- 
tration, fiscal affairs, and other concerns, of the Institu- 
tion : Provided, That the whole number of visitors each 
year shall not exceed the half of the number of States in 
the Union ; and that they shall be selected, alternately, 
from every second State, each member being a bond fide 
resident citizen of the State from which he shaU be 
appointed ; that not less than six members shall be 
taken from among officers actually serving in the 
militia; and that a second member shall not be taken 

* Three more companies added to the Corps by Act of Aug. 3, 1861, Chap. 42, 
Sec. 4. 



'Appendix. 351 

from any Congressional district, until every other dis- 
trict in the State shall have supplied a member : Provi- 
ded, further, That no compensation shall be made to 
said members beyond the payment of their expenses for 
board and lodging while at the Military Academy, and 
an allowance, not to exceed eight cents per mile, for 
travelling by the shortest mail route from their respec- 
tive homes to the Academy, and back to their homes. 

Sec. 3. — That the Teacher of Drawing, and the first 
Teacher of French, at the Military Academy, shall here- 
after be, respectively. Professor of Drawing, and Profes- 
sor of the French Language.* 

Chapter LII. — Act of February 19, 1849. — 3IaMng Ap- 
propriations for the support of the Military Academy, for 
the year ending the thirtieth of June, one thousand eight 
hundred and fifty . 

Sec. 1. — * * * All Professors shall be entitled to 
the same amount of forage which is allowed to officers 
of the rank to which their rank is assimilated. 

Chapter LIV. — Act of September 16, 1850. — Mailing 
Appropriations for the support of the Military Academy, 
for the year ending the thirtieth of June, one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty -one. 

Sec. 1. — * * :}: Provided, That hereafter, in lieu 
of the pay proper, ordinary rations, forage, and servants, 
heretofore received under the provisions of the Act of 
April twelfth [twenty-ninth], eighteen hundred and 
ftwelve, the Professors of Engineers, Philosophy, Math- 

* Office created Feb. 28, 1803, Chap. 13, Sec. 2. See Chap. 22, Act of March 3, 
1851. 

f Chap. 72; and see Chap. 22, March 3, 1851, which is a substitute for this 
Section. The compensation of all Professors is now made $2,240 per annum. 



352 History of West Point. 

ematics, Ethics, and Chemistry, shall be entitled to 
receive two thousand dollars each per annum ; and the 
Professors of Drawing and French, fifteen hundred dollars 
each per annum. 

Chapter LXXVIII. — Act of September 28, 1850. — 
Making Appropriations for the support of the Army, 
for the year ending the thirtieth of June, one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty -one. 

Sec. 1. — * * * Provided, That the pay and emolu- 
ments of the Superintendent of the United States Military 
Academy shall in no case be less than the pay and emol- 
uments of the Professor of Natural and Experimental 
Philosophy.* 

Chapter XXII. — Act of March 3, 1851. — Making Ap- 
propriations for the support of the Military Academy, for 
the year ending the thirtieth of June, one thousand eight 
hundred and fifty-two. 

Sec 1. — * * * Provided, That hereafter, in lieu 
of the pay proper, ordinary rations, forage, and servants, 
heretofore received under the provisions of the Act of 
April twelfth [twenty-ninth], eighteen hundred and 
ftwelve, the Professors of Engineers, Philosophy, Math- 
ematics, Ethics, and Chemistry, shall be entitled to 
receive two thousand dollarsj each, per annum, and the 
Professors of Drawing and French,§ fifteen hundred dol- 

* $2,000 per annum, 
f Chap. 72. 

% All Professors now receive $2,240 per annum. 

§ Established Feb. 28, 1803, Chap. 13, Sec. 2, and made Professors by Act of 
Aug. 8, 1846, Chap. 96, Sec. 3. 



Appendix. 353 

lars each* per annum : And that the Adjutant of the 
Military Academy shall hereafter be entitled to receive 
the same pay and allowances as an Adjutant of a regi- 
ment of dragoons. 

Chapter LXXXI. — Act of August 6, 1852. — Making 
Appropriations for the support of the Military Academy, 
for the year ending the thirtieth of June, one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty-three, and for other purposes. 
Sec. 2. — That hereafter the Assistant Professors of 
French and Drawingf shall receive the pay and emol- 
uments allowed to other Assistant Professors. 

Chapter LIY. — Act of May 10, 1854. — Making Appro- 
priations for the support of the Military Academy , for the 
year ending the thirtieth of June, one thousand eight hun- 
dred and fifty five. 

Sec. 2. — That the compensation of Master of the 
Sword be twelve hundred dollars per annum. J 

Chapter CCVIII. — Act of March 3, 1855. — Making 
Appropriations for the support of the Military Academy, 
for the year ending the thirtieth of June, one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty -six. 

Sec. 2. — That hereafter the yearly allowance of the 
Professor of French and Spanish, and of the Professor 
of Drawing, shall be the same as is now allowed§ to the 
other professors. 



* Same salary as the other Professors; by Act of March 3, 1855, Chap. 208, 
Sec. 2. 

f Pay and emoluments of Captains of Cavalry. 

X $800 before, and now $1,500, by Act of Feb. 16, 1857, Chap. 45, Sec. 3. 

§ $2,000 by Act of March 3, 1851, Chap. 22; now $2,240 per annum. 



354 History of AVest Point. 

Chapter XIX. — Act of April 23, 1856. — MaJcmg Appro- 
priations for the support of the Military Academy , for the 
year ending the thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred and 
fifty-seven. 

Sec. 2. — That the amounts disbursed, or that may be 
disbursed, out of moneys appropriated for the support 
of the Military Academy by the Acts of May tenth, 
eighteen hundred and fifty-four, and March third, 
eighteen hundred and fifty-five, in payment of additional 
compensation to the librarian, assistant librarian, and 
certain enlisted men at that post, be passed to the credit 
of the disbursing officer : Provided, That the additional 
pay to said librarian, and assistant librarian, shall not 
exceed the sum of one hundred and twenty dollars each 
per annum ; and to the non-commissioned officer in 
charge of mechanics and other labor at the post, the 
soldier acting as clerk in the Adjutant's office, and the 
four enlisted men in the philosophical and chemical 
departments, and lithographic office, not exceeding the 
sum of fifty dollars each i3er annum : and that a like 
measure of compensation be hereby authorized to be 
allowed hereafter for said services respectively. 

Sec. 3. — That the Secretary of the Senate furnish 
annually the library of the Military Academy at West 
Point, with a copy of all documents published by the 
Senate. 

Chapter XLV. — Act of Feb. 16, 1857. — Making Appro- 
priations for the support of the Military Academy, for 
the year ending the thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred 
and fifty-eight. 

Sec. 2. — That there shall be appointed at the Mill- 



Appendix. 355 

tary Academy, in addition to the Professors authorized 
by the existing laws, a Professor of Spanish, at a salary 
of two thousand dollars* per annum. 

Sec. 3. — That the compensation of the Master of the 
Sword be fifteen hundred dollarsf per annum, with fuel 
and quarters. 

Chapter CXIX. — Act of March 3, 1857. — To increase 
the pay of the Cadets at the West Point Academy. 

That the pay of the Cadets at the Military Academy 
at West Point shall hereafter be thirty dollars^ per 
month. 

Sec. 2. — That this act shall take effect from and after 
the passage thereof. 

Chapter CLVI. — Act of June 12, 1858. — Making Ap- 
propriations for the sujyport of the Army, for the year 
ending the thirtieth June, eighteen hundred and fifty- 
nine. 

Sec. 1. — -^ * * * Provided, That the Superin- 
tendent of the Military Academy, while serving as such 
by appointment of the President, shall have the local 
rank, the pay, and allowances of a Colonel of Engi- 
neers ;§ that the Commandant of the Corps of Cadets 
at the Military Academy, while serving as such by 
appointment of the President, shall have the local rank, 
the pay, and allowances of a Lieutenant-Colonel of En- 
gineers, || and, besides his other duties, shall be charged 

* Now $2,240 per annum. 

f Formerly $800, and by Act of May 10, 1854, Chap. 54, Sec. 2, $1,200. 

X By Chap. 9, Act of March 16, 1802, Sec. 26, it was $16 per month, and 
two rations per day ; by Chap. 47, Act of March 3, 1845, Sec. 2, it was fixed 
to $24 per month. 

§ $235 per month. | $211 per month. 



356 History of West Point. 

with the duty of instructor in the tactics of the three 
arms at said Academy ; and that the senior assistant 
instructor in each of the arms of service, viz. : of Artil- 
lery, Cavalry, and Infantry, shall severally receive the 
pay and allowances of the Assistant Professor of Mathe- 
matics.* 

Chapter CLXIII. — Act of June 21, 1860. — Making Ap- 
propriations for the support of the Army, for the year 
ending thirtieth June, one thousand eight hundred and 
sixty-one. 

Sec. 8. — That upon the passage of this act, or as soon 
thereafter as practicable, a Commission shall be ap- 
pointed in the manner hereinafter designated, to consist 
of two Senators, two members of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, and two officers of the army, which Com- 
mission shall examine into the organization, system of 
discipline, and course of instruction of the United States 
Military Academy, with a view to ascertain what modi- 
fication or changes, if any, are desirable, in order that 
the Academy shall best accomplish the object of its 
establishment. That the said Commission shall reportf 
the result of its examination to the President of the 
Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
That the Commissioners from the Senate shall be ap- 
pointed by the President of the Senate, those from the 
House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House, 
and those from the Army by the President of the United 
States. 

[Sec. 9. — $15,000 appropriated to defray the ex- 
penses of the Commission.] 

* $137.50 per month. f See pagea 250, 251. 



Appendix. 357 

Chapter XLII. — Act of August 3, 1861. — Providing for 
the letter Organization of the Military Establishment. 
Sec. 3. — That there shall be added to the Corps of 
Engineers* three first and three second lieutenants, to 
be promoted thereto in accordance with the existing 
laws and regulations. * * * And there shall be 
added to the Ordnance Department of the United States 
Army, * * * gjx second lieutenants * * * 
[which shall be selected] from the graduates of the 
United States Military Academy, by transfers from the 
Engineers, Topographical Engineers, or the Artillery. 

Sec. 4. — That there shall be added to the corps of 
Engineers three companies of engineer soldiers, to be 
commanded by appropriate officers of said corps, to 
have the same pay and rations, clothing, and other 
allowances, and be entitled to the same benefits, in 
every respect, as the company created by the act for 
the organization of a company of sappers and miners 
and pontoniers, approved May sixteen (15), eighteen 
hundred and forty-six.f The said three companies shall 
be subject to the rules and articles of war ; shall be re- 
cruited in the same manner and with the same limita- 
tion ; shall be instructed in and perform the same duties, 
and be liable to serve in the same way, and shall have 
their vehicles, pontoons, tools, implements, arms, and 
other supplies regulated in the same manner as the ex- 
isting engineer company ; and each of the four com- 
panies of engineer soldiers shall hereafter be composed 
of ten sergeants, ten corporals, two musicians, sixty-four 



* For further additions, see Chapters 57 and 58, August 6, 1861. 
f Chap. 21. 

24 



358 History of West Point. 

privates of the first class, or artificers, and sixty-four 
privates of the second class, in all one hundred and fifty 
men each. 

Sec. 8. — That no Cadet who has been or shall here- 
after be reported as deficient, either in conduct or 
studies, and recommended to be discharged from the 
Academy, shall be returned or reappointed, or appointed 
to any place in the Army before his class shall have left 
the Academy and received their commissions, unless 
upon the recommendation of the Academic Board of 
the Academy : Provided, That all Cadets now in the ser- 
vice, or hereafter entering the Military Academy at 
West Point, shall be called on to take and subscribe the 
follow^ing oath: ''I, A. B., do solemnly swear that I will 
support the Constitution of the United States, and bear 
true allegiance to the National Government ; that I will 
maintain and defend the sovereignty of the United 
States j)aramount to any and all allegiance, sovereignty, 
or fealty I may owe to any State, county, or country 
whatsoever ; and that I will at all times obey the legal 
orders of my superior officers, and the rules and articles 
governing the armies of the United States." And any 
Cadet or candidate for admission who shall refuse to 
take this oath shall be dismissed from the service. 

Sec. 19. — That so much of the sixth section of the 
Act of August 23, 1842,* as allows additional or double 
rations to the commandant of each permanent or fixed 
post garrisoned with troops, be, and the same is hereby 
repealed. 



* Chap. 186, which included the Superintendent of the Military Academy at 
West Point as the Commandant of that post. 



Appendix. 359 

Chapter LVII. — Act of August 6, 1861. — To promote 
the efficiency of the Engineer and Topographical Engineer 
Corps, and for other purposes. 

Sec. 1. — That there shall be added to each of the 
Corps of Engineers and Topographical Engineers, by 
regular promotion of their present officers, two lieuten- 
ant-colonels, and four majors.* 

Chapter LVIII. — Act of August 6, 1861. — To authorize 
an increase in the Corps of Engineers and Topographical 
Engineers. 

[The Act preceding this one has fiA^e sections, and the 
latter has three sections, which are in the same words 
as sections 1, 2, and 4 of the preceding one.] 

Under the Act of July 2, 1862, the following oath for 
the Cadets was substituted for that heretofore taken by 
the cadets. 

Chapter CXXVIII.— Act of July 2, 1862.— To pre- 
scribe an Oath of Office, and for other purposes. 

That hereafter every person elected or appointed to 
any office of honor or j)rofit under the Government of 
the United States, either in the civil, military, or naval 
departments of the public service, excepting the Presi- 
dent of the United States, shall, before entering upon 
the duties of such office, and before being entitled 
to any of the salary or other emoluments thereof, 
take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation : 
"I, A. B., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have 
never voluntarily borne arms against the United States 

* See Chap. 162, July 5, 1838, Sec. 2. 



360 History of West Point. 

since I have been a citizen thereof; that I have volun- 
tarily given no aid, countenance, counsel, or encourage- 
ment to persons engaged in armed hostility thereto; that 
I have neither sought nor accepted, nor attempted to 
exercise, the functions of any office whatever under any 
authority or pretended authority in hostility to the Uni- 
ted States ; that I have not yielded a voluntary support 
to any pretended government, authority, power, or con- 
stitution within the United States, hostile or inimical 
thereto. And I do further swear (or affirm) that, to the 
best of my knowledge and ability, I will support and 
defend the Constitution of the United States against all 
enemies, foreign and domestic ; that I will bear true 
faith and allegiance to the same ; that I take this obli- 
gation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose 
of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge 
the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, 
so help me God ;" which said oath, so taken and signed, 
shall be preserved among the files of the Court, House 
of Congress, or Department to which the said office may 
appertain. And any person Avho shall falsely take the 
said oath shall be guilty of perjury, and on conviction, 
in addition to the penalties now prescribed for that 
offence, shall be deprived of his office, and rendered 
incapable forever after of holding any office or place 
under the United States. 

Chapter . — Act of March 3, 1863. — To promote 

the efficiency of the Corps of Engineers^ and of the Ord- 
nance Department, and for other purposes. 

That the Corps of Topographical Engineers, as a dis- 
tinct branch of the army, is hereby abolished, and from 



Appendix. 361 

and after the passage of this Act is merged into the 
Corps of Engineers, which shall have the following 
organization, viz : one Chief Engineer, with the rank, 
pay, and emoluments of a brigadier-general; four colonels; 
ten lieutenant-colonels ; twenty majors ; thirty captains ; 
thirty first lieutenants, and ten second lieutenants. 

Sec. 2. — That the general officer provided by the first 
section of this Act, shall be selected from the Corps of 
Engineers as therein established ; and that officers of all 
lower grades shall take rank according to their respective 
dates of commission in the existing Corps of Engineers, 
or Corps of Topographical Engineers. 

Sec. 3. — That no officer of the Corps of Engineers 
below the rank of a field officer shall hereafter be pro- 
moted to a higher grade before having passed a satisfac- 
tory examination before a board of three engineers senior 
to him in rank; and should the officer fail at said exam- 
ination, shall be suspended from promotion from (for) 
one year, when he shall be re-examined, and upon a 
second failure shall be dropped by the President from 
the army. 

Sec. 12. — That the increase of rank of officers, and in 
the number of officers provided for in this Act, shall 
continue only during the existence of the present rebel- 
lion; and thereafter the several officers promoted under 
this Act shall have the respective rank they would have 
had if this Act had not passed, and the number shall be 
reduced by the President to the number authorized by 
law prior to the passage of this Act. 



362 History of West Point. 



MILITARY EDUCATIOI^ IN EUROPE. 



Extracts from the Report of the Commission appointed under the Act of Congress 
of June 21, 1860, to examine into the Organization, System of Discipline, and 
Course of Instruction, of the United States Military Academy at West Point, 
N. Y. — 36th Congress, 2d Session, Mis. Doc. No. 3. 

The general nature and extent of the military educa- 
tion most suitable to the officers of our Army, arising 
from the peculiar condition of our country and its mili- 
tary system, have been already indicated. With this in 
view, it may be well to examine the systems of military 
education in Europe, and to compare them with our own. 
The following account of the military schools of Europe 
is taken almost wholly from the report of the British 
Commissioners appointed to consider the best mode of 
reorganizing the English system of training officers for 
the scientific corps : 

"Among the European systems of military education, 
that of France is pre-eminent. The stimulating principle 
of competition extends throughout the whole system ; it 
exists in the appointment of the student, in his progress 
through the preliminary schools, in his transfer to the 
higher schools, in his promotion to the army, and in his 
advancement in his subsequent career. 

'' The French army is officered partly from the mili- 
tary schools, and partly by promotion from the ranks. 
The proportions established by law, are one-third of the 
commissions from the military schools, one-third from the 



Appendix. 3G3 

ranks of the army, and the remaining third at the dis- 
cretion of the Emperor. 

" In practice, two-thirds of the officers of engineers 
and artillery are taken from the Polytechnic School, and 
one-third from the ranks. All the officers of the Staff 
Corps are taken from the School of the Staff. One-third 
of the officers of infantry and cavalry are taken from St. 
Cyr, and two-thirds are promoted from the ranks. Pro- 
motion in the army is partly by seniority and partly by 
selection, to the rank of major. Above the rank of major 
promotion is entirely by selection. 

" Admission to the military schools of France can 
only be gained through a public competitive examina- 
tion by those w^ho have received the degree of Bachelor 
of Science from the Lycees, or public schools, and from 
the orphan school of La Fleche. 

" A powerful influence has thus been exercised upon 
the character of education in France. The importance 
of certain studies has been gradually reduced ; while 
those of a scientific character, entering more directly 
into the pursuits of life, have been constantly elevated. 

" The two great elementary military schools are the 
School of St. Cyr and the Polytechnic School. These, 
as well as the other military schools, are under the 
charge of the Minister of War, wdth wdiom the authori- 
ties of the schools are in direct communication. Com- 
missions in the infantry, cavalry, and marines, can only 
be obtained by service in the ranks of the army, or by 
passing successfully through the School of St. Cyr, ad- 
mittance to which is gained by the competitive exami- 
nation already referred to. 

"Entire or partial support is given by the government 



364 History of West Point. 

to those presenting evidence of the necessity of such 
aid, while those who are able, pay for their education. 
Students from the orphan school of La Fleche, where 
the sons of officers wounded or killed in the service 
receive a gratuitous education, are maintained in the same 
manner." 



THE SPECIAL MILITARY SCHOOL OF ST. CYR. 

The School of St. Cyr was established in 1803. 

" The course of study lasts two years ; the usual 
number of cadets in time of peace is five, or, at the 
utmost, six hundred ; the admission is by competitive 
examination, open to all youths, French by birth or by 
naturalization, who, on the 1st of January preceding 
their candidature, were not less than sixteen and not 
more than twenty years old. To this examination are 
also admitted soldiers in the ranks between twenty and 
twenty-five years of age, who, at the date of its com- 
mencement, have been actually in service in their regi- 
ments for two years. 

" A board of examiners passes through France once 
every year, and examines all who present themselves 
having the prescribed qualifications. All the candidates 
must have taken the usual degree which terminates the 
task at the Lycees. 

" A list of such candidates as are found eligible for 
admission to St. Cyr is submitted to the Minister of 
War. 

" Those who succeed in the examination and are ad- 
mitted, take an engagement to serve seven years, either 



Appendix. 365 

in the cavalry or infantry, and are thus under the obli- 
gation — ^if they are judged incompetent, at the close 
of their two years' stay at the school, to receive a com- 
mission — to enter and serve as common soldiers. The 
two years of their stay at the school counts as a part of 
their service. 

" Twenty-seven, or sometimes a greater number, are 
annually, at the close of their second year of study, placed 
in competition with twenty-five candidates from the 
second lieutenants belonging to the army, if so many 
are forthcoming, for admission to the Staff School at 
Paris. 

^' Young men intended for the cavalry are instructed 
in infantry and artillery movements and drill, just as 
those intended for the infantry are taught riding, and 
receive instruction in cavalry as well as artillery drill 
and movements. 

" It is during the second year of their stay they re- 
ceive most instruction in the arms of the service to 
which they are not destined, and this, it is said, is a 
most important part of their instruction. 'It is this 
that made it practicable, for example, in the Crimea, to 
find among the old eleves of St. Cyr, officers fit for the 
artillery, the engineers, the staff; and for general officers, 
of course, it is of the greatest advantage to have known 
from actual study something of evtery branch.' 

" One lesson weekly is given in drawing, in order to 
render the students expert in landscape and military 
drawing, with the pencil, pen, and brush. 

" Mathematics is not taught in either yearly course at 
St. Cyr. 

"• The students execute certain works, such as the 



366 History of West Point. 

making of fascines, gabions, saucissons ; repair of revet- 
ments of batteries ; platforms ; setting the profiles, defile- 
ment, and construction of a field-work ; different kinds of 
sap; plan and establishment of a camp for a battalion of 
infantry, &c. 

" They are practically taught artillery drill, with field 
and siege guns ; practice with artillery ;. repair of siege 
batteries ; bridges of boats or rafts. 

'■'• Ten lectures allowed for the course of military 
legislation have for their object the explanation of the 
principles, practice, and regulations relating to military 
laws, and their connection with the civil laws that affect 
military men. 

" Twelve lectures are given on what is called military 
administration, relating to the interior economy of a 
company, and to the various matters appertaining to 
the soldier's messing, mode of payment, necessaries, 
equipment, lodging, &c. 

" In the practical exercises, the students make an 
attack or defence of a work, or of a system of field- 
works, during their course of fortification ; or of a house, 
farm, village, in the immediate vicinity of the school ; or 
make the passage of a river. 

" The examinations at the end of the first year take 
place under the superintendence of the director and 
assistant director of studies. 

" The pupil's position is determined, as at the Poly- 
technic, partly by the marks gained at the examination, 
partly by those he has obtained during his previous 
studies. 

" Any student, whose credit is less than the minimum 
allowed for any branch of study, is retained during the 



Appendix. 367 

vacation and re-examined before the recommencement 
of the course. If still deficient, he is reported to the 
Minister of War for expulsion, unless there is an es- 
pecial ground for excuse, such as sickness. Irregularity 
of conduct is also made a ground for exclusion from the 
school, and a system of demerit marks is established. 
The demerit of a student has an influence upon his class 
standing. 

" The classification in the order of merit depends 
upon the total amount of the sum of the numerical 
marks or credit obtained by each student in every 
branch of study or instruction. 

" A list of the names of those students who are found 
qualified for the rank of second lieutenant, is sent to 
the Minister of War ; and a second list is also sent, con- 
taining the names of those students that have, when 
subjected to a second or revised examination, been pro- 
nounced by the jury, before whom they were re-ex- 
amined, as qualified. 

" Those whose names appear in the first list are per- 
mitted to choose, according to their position in the order 
of merit, the staff corps or infantry, according to the 
number required for the first-named service, and to 
name the regiments of infantry in which they desire to 
serve. 

" Those intended for the cavalry, are placed at the 
disposal of the officer commanding the regiment which 
they wish to enter. 

" Those whose names appear in the second list are 
not permitted to choose their corps, but are placed by 
the Minister at War in such corps as may have vacan- 
cies in it, or where he may think proper. 



368 History of West Point. 

" The students who are selected to enter the staff 
corps, after competing successfully with the second 
lieutenants of the army, proceed as second lieutenants 
to the Staff School at Paris. 

" Those students who fail, pass into the army as pri- 
vates, according to the terms of the engagement made 
on entering the school." 

THE POLTTECHNIO SCHOOL. 

The other elementary military school, the Polytechnic, 
is mainly a preparatory school for those branches of the 
French army which are termed scientific, as three- 
fourths of its pupils enter the artillery, the engineers, 
and the staff. It also exclusively supplies some im- 
portant departments of the civil service. Its scientific 
teaching is unsurpassed, perhaps unequalled. It was 
founded during the French Revolution, in 1794. A few 
years before its creation, all schools, military as well as 
civil, had been suppressed. The ill effects of this 
destruction of all means of education were first per- 
ceived in the army and in the public works. The result 
was the establishment of the Polytechnic School, for the 
preliminary education of engineers and artillerists. Its 
benefits were extended to the civil service. 

Upon quitting the Polytechnic, the student enters the 
School of Application especially devoted to the particu- 
lar service to which he is assigned. 

"Admission to the school is, and has been since its 
first commencement, in 1794, obtained by competition in 
a general examination, held yearly, and open to aU. 
Every French youth between the ages of sixteen and 



Appendix. 369 

twenty (or, if in the army, up to the age of twenty-five) 
may offer himself as a candidate. 

"A board of examiners passes through France once 
every year, and examines all who present themselves, 
that" possess the requisites of age, &c. 

"A list of such of the candidates as are found eligible 
for admittance to the Polytechnic is drawn up from the 
proceedings of the board, and submitted to the Minister 
at War. The candidates admitted are invariably taken 
in the order of merit. 

" All the successful candidates whose parents are 
unable to maintain them at the school, in whole or in 
part, are supported by the State to the extent neces- 
sary. 

'' The course of study is completed in two years. On 
its successful termination, which is preceded by a final 
examination, the students are distributed into the dif- 
ferent services, the choice being offered them in the 
order of their merit, as laid down in the classified list 
drawn up after the examination. Students who have 
been admitted into the school from the army, are obliged 
to re-enter the army. 

"All others, as has been said, have the right of choos- 
ing, according to their position on the list, the service 
which they prefer, — so far, that is, as the number of 
vacancies in that service will allow ; or they may, if 
they please, decline to enter the public service at 
all. 

"Such is a general outline of the plan and object of 
the school. Besides its military staff, it employs no less 
than thirty-nine professors and teachers ; it has four 
boards of management; and ten scientific men, uncon- 



370 History of West Point. 

nected with the school, and among the most distin- 
guished in France, conduct its examinations. The 
magnitude of this establishment for teaching may be 
estimated by the fact, that the number of pupils rarely 
exceeds three hundred and fifty, and is often much 
less. 

" The entrance examination is held yearly, in Au- 
gust. The most important conditions for admission to 
it are always inserted in the ^Moniteur early in the 
year. 

"A list, in the order of merit, of those found qualified 
for admission, is submitted to the Minister at War, by 
whom the appointments are made. 

"Any student whose mean credit in any branch falls 
below the minimum allowed for that branch, or whose 
general mean credit falls below the minimum allowed, is 
excluded from the school, unless he has been prevented 
from pursuing his studies by illness. 

"During the second year the general examinations 
include the chief subjects of both years. A general list 
of all the students is made out, arranged in the order of 
merit. Formerly, conduct was permitted to exercise 
some influence on their position, but that is no longer 
the case. As already stated, the successful graduate 
has the right to choose the branch of the public service 
in which to enter, provided there is a vacancy, in the 
order of his position on the list." 



Appendix. 371 

the school op application for the artillery and engi- 
NEERING AT METZ. 

^' The School of Application, at Metz, is the comple- 
tion of the Polytechnic scientific training for most of its 
military pupils. They are sub-lieutenants on admis- 
sion," averaging twenty-one years of age, " and they 
pursue during two years a course which is partly practi- 
cal, but in which theory still holds a prominent place. 

"The studies of artillery and engineer officers are 
conducted entirely in common for the first, and for two- 
thirds of the second year ; but during the remaining 
third they diverge widely. Yet, even at Metz, the in- 
struction of officers for the special arms is not held to 
be completed. They join their regiments upon leaving, 
and are employed in practical exercises with troops 
till they obtain the rank of second captain in their 
respective arms ; then the training of artillery officers, 
apart from their men, is, in a certain sense, resumed ; 
they are sent to the arsenals, foundries, and manufacto- 
ries of arms. 

There are usually 140 or 150 students, consisting of 
two classes of about equal numbers. The system of 
instruction, of examinations, and of credits, is generally 
the same as at the Polytechnic. A riding-school is 
attached to the establishment, and drill exercises and 
riding are practised daily. Much greater liberty is 
allowed the students than at the Polytechnic. They 
are sent upon surveying expeditions, and to measure 
and sketch machines in manufactories. These expedi- 
tions never occupy more than ten days at a time. Field 
fortifications and siege-works are actually laid out upon 



3/2 History of West Point. 

the ground, and portions of the work in full relief are 
executed. The practical training is not extended, being 
merely sufficient to enable the Sieves to commence their 
duties as officers understandingly. 

" The studies at Metz consist of topography and 
geodesy, including military drawing and surveying, 
under special circumstances ; field fortifications, mili- 
tary art and legislation, permanent fortification, and the 
attack and defence of fortified places, accompanied by a 
sham siege ;" " architecture, as applicable to mihtary 
buildings and fortifications ; the theory and practice of 
construction, and artillery." " The instruction is given 
principally (as at the Polytechnic), by means of a series 
of lectures. 

" The examination which takes j^lace prior to their 
leaving the School of Application, is entirely conducted 
by a board of six officers, under the presidency of a 
general officer, alternately of the Artillery or Engineers ; 
the remaining members of the board consisting of a 
general officer of each corps and three field-officers of 
these corps, the last three being specially charged with 
the duty of examining. 

" The final classification in the order of merit, in each 
arm of the service, is arranged after a comparison of the 
total of marks obtained by each student. 

" It is this final classification which determines their 
seniority in the respective services. 

" On quitting the School of Application, at Metz, the 
sub-lieutenants of Artillery and Engineers, respectively, 
join the regiments to which they are then definitely 
assigned as second lieutenants, and continue to be em- 
ployed in doing duty, and in receiving practical instruc- 



Appendix. 373 

tion with them, until they are promoted to the rank of 
second ca^Dtain. ' 

" The lieutenants of the Artillery are employed on all 
duties that will tend to make them efficient artillery 
officers, and fully acquainted with all details connected 
with the drill, practice, and manoeuvres of Artillery, and 
also with the interior economy and discipline of a regi- 
ment of Artillery." 

THE SCHOOL OP APPLICATION FOR THE STAFF. 

The French staff is the centre from which issue, and 
to which are addressed, aU orders and mihtary cor- 
respondence. 

" The only means of entering the Staff Corps, is 
through the Staff School of Application, Of the fifty 
student officers, which the School of AppUcation usually 
contains, twenty-five leave annually to enter the Staff 
Corps, and are replaced by an equal number. 

'' Entrance into the School of AppUcation for the 
Staff Corps may be considered the reward of proficiency 
at St. Cyr, the twenty-two best pupils of Avhich, to- 
gether with three from the Polytechnic, constitute the 
ordinary yearly admission to this school. Strictly 
speaking, indeed, the twenty-seven best pupils from St. 
Cyr compete for the entrance to the Staff School with 
an equal number of sub-lieutenants, who may obtain 
permission from their commanding officer to appear as 
candidates. 

" The course of teaching lasts for two years, no less 
than eighteen professors being employed, and the prin- 
cipal studies being topography, military art, and fortifi- 

25 



374 History of West Point. 

cation. The pupils are carefully ranged in the order of 
merit at their different examinations, and enter the Staff 
Corps according to the places they finally obtain. Im- 
mediately on leaving the school they are made lieuten- 
ants, and are then sent to the Infantry to do duty for 
two years ; and at the expiration of this time are 
attached, for an equal period, to the Cavalry. They 
may finally be sent, but are not necessarily so, for a 
year to the Artillery or Engineers. 

"Both the studies and examinations at the Staff 
School hold an intermediate place between those of the 
Polytechnic and St. Cyr, being less abstract than the 
former, and higher and more difficult than the latter. 

" There are two examinations each year, conducted by 
a board, consisting of the general commandant or the di- 
rector of studies, the professor of the course examined in, 
and two officers appointed by the Council of Instruction. 

"Credits are given as in the other schools, and a list 
of the students is made out in the order of merit. 

" Prior to admission into the Staff Corps, the students 
are obliged to pass an examination before the consulting 
committee of the Staff Corps. 

" Every student officer who, in this examination for 
leaving, has not obtained the half of the maximum 
number of numerical credits, is considered to be inad- 
missible to the Staff Corps." 

This review of the French military schools will 
probably serve to give an idea of the character of the 
education considered necessary for an officer of the 
French army, and the length of time required to accom- 
plish it. 

The mode of gaining admission into their military 



Appendix. 375 

schools is entirely different from ours. The qualifica- 
tions for admission to the West Point Academy are 
merely reading, writing, and arithmetic. The students 
of St. Cyr and the Polytechnic enter those schools with 
an amount of knowledge and acquirement, the equiva- 
lent of which is scarcely attained at the end of the 
first year at West Point. 

The study of mathematics at West Point is carried to 
about the same extent as at the Polytechnic ; and the 
same remark may be apphed to the study of mechanics 
and physics. In military literature, military history, 
and military geography and statistics, which constitute 
nearly half the course at St. Cyr, West Point does not 
equal St. Cyr ; in the study of military art, in physics, 
fortifications, and artillery, it much exceeds it. 

In field and permanent fortifications, construction, 
machinery, artillery, and the military art, the course at 
West Point is less extended than at Metz. In astron- 
omy, the course is at least equal to that of the School 
of the Staff; while in field fortification, military art and 
administration, it is considerably less. In geodesy and 
topography but very little, except the drawing of the 
latter, is taught ; but the instruction is sufficient for the 
wants of an officer of any corps, although topographical 
drawing in the field is but little practised ; and the appli- 
cation of drawing in fortification is not so extensive as 
at Metz. 

At West Point there is much less practical application 
in the field, of field fortification, siege-works, batteries, 
and surveying, than at Metz or the School of the Staff. 
It can scarcely be said there is any in geodesy, topog- 
raphy, and reconnoissance. 



376 History of West Point. 

In tactics, manoeuvres, riding, and infantry, cavalry, 
and artillery exercises, the cadets at West Point are 
certainly not less proficient than the students of St. 
Cyr, the School of the Staff, and the School of Metz. 
Two foreign languages are taught at West Point ; one 
in the French schools. Instruction in the English lan- 
guage, ethics, and law, extends over two years at West 
Point. French literature forms part of the course in 
the two years at the Polytechnic, and military literature 
part of the course in the first year at St. Cyr; but there 
is no literary course at either Metz or the School of the 
Staff. 

In many respects the United States Military Academy 
resembles the Polytechnic School. It receives alike the 
sons of the rich and poor, the sons of the distinguished 
and of the unknown. Its standard of scientific instruc- 
tion is as high. It has the same powerful stimulus to 
exertion in the high reward it offers to successful 
effort, and in the penalty which it exacts for neglect or 
incompetency. It has exercised a powerful influence 
upon the public schools and colleges of the country; has 
introduced among them new branches of study in math- 
ematics ; and has raised the character of their scientific 
teaching. 



Appendix. 377 



MILITARY EDUCATION IN ENGLAND. 

Commissions in the British Infantry and Cavahy are 
obtained by purchase, except in the case of the few 
graduates from the military academy at Sandhurst. 

Commissions in the Artillery and Engineers are ob- 
tained by graduation at the military academy at 
Woolwich. 

"An education entitling a student to a commission in 
the infantry or cavalry is given at Sandhurst. Pupils 
are received at that college between the ages of thirteen 
and fifteen; they enter on the nomination of the gov- 
ernor ; their instruction lasts either for two or four 
years, according as they are proficient in study or not ; 
and, at the end of this period, if found qualified, they 
receive a commission without purchase. The usual 
number of cadets appears to be one hundred and 
eighty, for whom there are sixteen professors. 

" We may add to this list of English military schools, 
the East India Company's Military College, at Addis- 
combe, which gives a professional education of two 
years to pupils of all arms in common, that the admit- 
tance is by nomination, and a pass entrance examina- 
tion, not by competition ; and that, on leaving the school, 
the pupils are chosen by the authorities of the Company 
for the difi'erent services, according to their place in 
the final examination. The general order of choice is 
one for the engineers, two for the artillery, three for 
the infantry. 



378 History of West Point. 

'' It should be added, that both Sandhurst and Wool- 
wich are practically self-supporting ; a fact by no means 
contemplated on the foundation of either, and which has 
been the result of a gradual withdrawal of parliamentary 
grants, combined with a large accession of what may 
be termed highly paying pupils, i. e., the sons of civil- 
ians." 



THE ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY AT WOOLWICH. 

The subjects of examination for admission have not 
always remained the same, but have been changed from 
time to time. Those required at the beginning of 1855 
were : English, mathematics, Latin, French, German, 
geography, history, drawing, and printing with the 
pen. 

The entrance examinations were conducted by the 
professors and masters belonging to the academy. 

At the expiration of one year after the admission into 
the academy, the cadets were reported upon by a board 
of officers ; and such of them as had not passed satisfac- 
tory periodical examinations in mathematics and fortifi- 
cation in the class-rooms, were examined before this 
board by the professors of mathematics and fortifica- 
tion. This examination was called the probationary 
examination. The board were required to state their 
opinion, whether the progress and conduct of each cadet 
brought before them had been such as to entitle him 
to remain at the institution, or to assign the cause or 
grounds on which they recommended any cadet to be 
removed. 



Appendix. 379 

" The regulations limited the duration of the residence 
for the course of theoretical study to four years, at the 
close of which, those cadets who were found unqualified 
for commissions were required to leave the academy ; 
hut such cadets as qualified themselves at an earlier 
period have been permitted to obtain their commissions 
when they had done so. 

" The public examinations of the cadets proposed to 
be advanced to the practical class, or to be promoted 
from the practical class to commissions in the artillery 
and engineers, generally take place at the same time, 
before a board of superior of&cers." 

There is some reason to believe that the results of 
the education at the Royal Military Academy have 
hitherto somewhat failed of that success which might 
have been hoped for, both as regards artillery and engi- 
neer ofiicers. 

The causes of the want of success in the teaching 
of the Academy are stated to have been : the juvenile 
age of admission ; the admission of cadets that did not 
possess the qualifications required by regulations, the 
regulations having been disregarded to meet the views 
of influential complainants ; the w^ant of proper severity 
in the probationary examinations ; the irregularity of 
the duration of the stay at Woolwich, some remaining 
two, others four years, to complete the same course of 
study; and, lastly, permitting cadets who were ex- 
pelled from the academy for misconduct to return. 



380 History of West Point. 

THE ROYAL ENGINEERS ESTABLISHMENT AT CHATHAM. 

" We have already mentioned the deficiencies in the 
scientific education of the young engineer officer which 
are stated to exist when he joins at Chatham; and it 
will be seen that the only instruction he afterwards re- 
ceives, either in the purely military or civil branch of 
his profession, which is given immediately he obtains 
his commission, is not in any way calculated to enable 
him to supply these deficiencies, however desirous he 
may be of doing so. 

" The course of instruction, which usually occupies 
about fifteen months, is comprehended under the heads 
of— 

"1. Field duty. 

" 2. Scientific instruction. 

" 1. Under the first head are comprised some of those 
duties which are required of the military engineer in 
the field, such as sapping, mining, batteries of position? 
intrenchment ; formation of military bridges for the pas- 
sage of rivers by artillery, cavalry, and infantry ; the 
formation of stockades, and their destruction by gun- 
powder; subaqueous explosions, escalading, telegraph- 
ing, the use of the voltaic battery, and the diving-bell. 

" 2. Under the second head, the officer, whilst em- 
ployed upon the above duties, is also expected to devote 
a portion of his time to reading the best professional 
authors on military engineering ; and, as a proof of his 
diligence, he is required, from time to time, to produce 
translations of the best examples of sieges, defences, 
extracts of mining operations, &c., accompanied with 
neatly drawn plans illustrative of the operations de- 



Appendix. 381 

tailed ; after which he is required to prepare projects, 
founded on the above elementary course of study. To 
these are added a course of practical architecture, with 
a series of lectures on civil engineering, including the 
details of erecting and working a steam-engine, which 
is practically explained on a small engine belonging to 
the establishment, the whole of the working parts of 
which are taken to pieces and put together again by the 
officer. ^ 

" A small laboratory affords the means of practising 
such operations in analytical chemistry as are required 
of the Engineers ; and it also enables an officer to 
satisfy himself from actual investigation of the proper- 
ties of the various building materials with which he may 
be working. Surveying, with military reconnoitring 
and practical astronomy, complete the course of study 
as detailed under the second head. 

" On quitting Chatham, the young officer is ordered 
to some foreign colony, or to some out-station in Eng- 
land, Ireland, or Scotland, where his duties are much 
more nearly allied to those of a civil than those of a 
military engineer." 

Although the condition of military education in Eng- 
land does not present itself as a model for our imitation, 
nor as a standard of comparison, yet it affords a valu- 
able lesson. Our own Military Academy is open to 
evil influences of a similar kind to those which, at one 
time at least, so seriously impaired the value of the 
English schools, by setting aside the regulations for 
admission, the standard of graduation, and the disci- 
pline of the Academy. 



382 History of West Point. 



THE PRUSSIAN SYSTEM OF MILITARY EDU- 
CATION. 

'^ Competition enters in a slight degree only into the 
system of military education in Prussia ; the object 
being to secure a good average of general and profes- 
sional education. The Infantry and Cavalry are offi- 
cered chiefly by the appointment of aspirants or ensigns 
by the colonels of regiments. They must be between 
seventeen and eighteen years of age, and must pass an 
examination in their own language, in Latin, elemen- 
tary mathematics, history, geography, French, and 
elementary drawing. After serving six months in the 
army, the ensigns must pass nine months in a division 
school, studying the theory of arms, tactics, the rules 
and regulations of the army, field and permanent fortifi- 
cations, and surveying and plan-drawing. Upon passing 
an examination in these subjects, and receiving the 
assent of the officers of the regiment to his appointment 
in it, he is commissioned." 

cadet schools. 

" There are five cadet schools, four junior and one 
senior, which are chiefly designed for the education of 
the sons of officers of the army. Their organization 
and discipline are military; the instruction is not, with 
the single exception of the last year, at the senior 
school. 



Appendix. 383 

" The age of entrance at the junior is from ten to 
eleven; the term of stay, four or five years. At the 
senior the age of entrance is from fifteen to sixteen ; the 
term of stay, three years. The mathematical and 
scientific studies of the Senior Cadet School are not 
carried so far as those of the Gymnasiums of Prussia, 
schools which prepare youths for the University, and in 
which the course of studies is about the same as in col- 
leges of this country. 

" There are upwards of 420 cadets in the Senior Cadet 
School, and about 100 in each class. At the end of two 
years, only sixty of these one hundred are advanced to 
the highest class ; the remaining forty (the lower part 
of the class) being sent to the army to earn their com- 
missions, in the manner of other aspirants. Of the sixty 
that graduate, but one-half (the upper part of the class) 
are commissioned as second lieutenants, the lower half 
receiving merely the appointments of ensigns. The 
latter, however, are promoted to the first vacancies 
without further examination." 

SCHOOL OF AETILLERISTS AND ENGINEERS. 

There is an Artillery and Engineer School, to which 
the colonels in those arms appoint aspirants, as in the 
Infantry and Cavalry. They must pass the same kind 
of examination as the Infantry aspirants,— except in 
matliematics, in which the examination is more severe, 
— and must serve nine months with troops. Then they 
join the Artillery and Engineer School, and at the end 
of a year, during which their studies are similar to those 
of the last year at the Senior Cadet School, upon passing 



384 History of West Point. 

the required examination, they receive a provisional 
appointment as sub-lieutenants. 

"During the last two years, the instruction is in 
mathematics, mechanics, and physics, the art of war, 
military and civil engineering, artillery, tactics, geodesy, 
topography, the French language, general and special 
drawing, and the veterinary art. The studies are car- 
ried on during nine months of each of the three years, 
during which there are practical applications in the field ; 
but these are chiefly made during the three months 
when the theoretical studies are suspended. At that 
time, also, the students visit the fortresses, armories, 
foundries, and other public establishments and manufac- 
tories of machinery. Cadets who have completed the 
whole term at the senior school may enter the artillery 
and engineer school as sub-lieutenants, to pass through 
the studies of the last two years. 

"Upon graduating, the sub-lieutenants are commis- 
sioned as lieutenants." 

Thus it appears that, in Prussia, the requisites for 
admission to the Engineer or Artillery service are three 
years of instruction in higher mathematics, mechanics, 
and physics, and in professional subjects, superadded to 
the course of instruction usually given at the colleges of 
the United States. 



Appendix. 385 



THE STAEF SCHOOL AT BERLIN". 

"Appointment to the staff of the Prussian army is, 
with rare exceptions, only to be obtained through the 
Staff or War School. There is no commission in the Staff 
Corps of less rank than that of a captaincy. Any officer 
of the army, of three years' standing, may be examined 
for admission to the Staff School. The examination is 
made before commissioners at Berlin. There are usually 
sixty or seventy candidates, but of these only forty can 
be selected. 

" The term of study is three years. There are three 
classes, of forty students each. 

" Each year's course of study lasts eight months. 
The method of instruction is by lectures, the taking 
of notes, and the preparation of essays and me- 
moirs. 

"There is no practical instruction during the study 
term ; but at the end of the first year, the officers are 
sent for three weeks to make surveys; at the end 
of the third year, to reconnoitre the frontiers, fortres- 
ses, &c. 

" During three months of each year they are sent to 
do military duty with arms of service or corps not their 
own. 

"There is a system of marks or credits, and yearly 
examinations. 

" Of the forty who pass through the Staff School 
each year, eight or ten only are sent to the topo- 
graphical department of the staff. There they serve 
two or three years, when two are selected from the 



386 History of West Point. 

number and appointed captains in the staff. The 
remainder return to their regiments or corps, some- 
times receiving appointments in the division schools." 



AUSTRIAN SYSTEM OF MILITARY EDUCA- 
TION. 

This has been entirely remodelled since the wars of 
1848 and 1849. 

" There are schools of various orders for non-commis- 
sioned officers, containing nearly 6,000 pupils, chiefly 
the children of soldiers. The schools of the lowest 
order are entered at seven years of age. The boy 
reaches the highest school at about fifteen. There are 
twenty schools of the highest order. From each of 
those connected with the Engineers, Artillery, &c., six 
or ten of the best pupils are transferred to the engineer 
or artiUery academies, through which they may gain a 
commission. 

" For the education of officers there are four cadet 
houses, each containing 200 pupils, who enter at eleven 
and leave at fifteen years of age. Of the 200 that 
annually leave these houses, 100 enter the infantry and 
cavalry academy at Wiener-Neustadt ; fifty enter the 
artillery academy, and fifty enter the engineer academy. 
The infantry and cavalry academy contains 400 students; 
the other two, each 200. 



Appendix. 387 

" Only one in twenty or one in thirty of the officers 
of the Austrian Infantry and Cavalry enter from the 
academy of Wiener-Neustadt. This academy receives 
most of its pupils from the cadet schools. Those 
appointed to it who have not passed through those 
schools are examined in German, writing, natural his- 
tory, geography, geometry, algebra, and plane trigonom- 
etry. The age of admission is from fifteen to sixteen 
years. The course of study lasts four years, during 
which they are taught four languages — French, Italian, 
Bohemian, and Hungarian — and receive a fair scientific 
and military education. The mode of teaching is a 
mixture of lessons and lectures. There is a system 
of credits, examinations, and merit-rolls. The disci- 
pline is represented to be strict. In this, as in the 
other two military academies, the student who is habit- 
ually neglectful is sent to one of the non-commissioned 
officer schools. Choice of arms and of regiments is 
offered in the order of merit." 



THE ARTILLERY ACADEMY. 

" Formerly, the officers of artillery were taken chiefly 
from the ranks. Young men of promise in the regi- 
mental schools were sent to a special school, where the 
chief study was mathematics, returned to their regi- 
ments, and in time were promoted to the rank of second 
lieutenant. Mixed with them at the school were a certain 
number of imperial cadets, who possessed privileges in 
regard to promotion. The present artillery academy is 
one of very recent establishment. Forty of the two 



388 History of West Point. 

hundred pupils come from the highest order of non- 
commissioned officer schools. The course of study pre- 
scribed for the four years during which they remain at 
the academy comprises a good scientific and professional 
education. The method of instruction is by lessons and 
recitations, and by lectures. There is a system of credits, 
examinations, and merit-rolls. Upon the satisfactory 
completion of the course of study they receive commis- 
sions as second lieutenants. After serving two years 
with their regiments, it is intended that selection by 
examination shall be made from them of the most prom- 
ising officers, who are to pass through a two years' 
course of higher instruction, in common with officers 
of engineers." 

THE ENGINEER ACADEMY. 

" The Engineer Academy is an old establishment. In 
the number of students, course and method of instruc- 
tion, system of credits, term of stay, examinations, and 
promotions, it is the same, with the exception of the 
professional studies, as the Artillery School. In this 
school, as in all the others in Austria, great improve- 
ments have been recently made. The studies are 
now high, the examinations strict, and the discipline 
good." 



Appendix. 389 



THE HIGHER SCHOOL FOR ENGINEERS AND ARTILLERISTS. 

" Is to be composed of twenty officers from each corps, 
who have served two years with their regiments, and 
successfully competed for admission at an examina- 
tion. 

" The course is to last two years, and to consist 
chiefly of applied mechanics, practical physics, construc- 
tion of ordnance, and the art of war (which forms no 
part of the course at the Artillery or Engineer School), 
the use of artillery in the field, and in attack and defence. 
Promotion from the rank of second to that of first lieu- 
tenant will depend upon the examination at the close 
of the course of study." 

THE SCHOOL OP THE STAFF. 

" Admission to the staff of the Austrian army was 
always gained by a competitive examination. 

•^'^ The general staff consists of : — 

" Twelve colonels. 

^' Twelve lieutenant-colonels. 

" Twenty-four majors. 

" Eighty captains. 

" Within the last six years the School of the Staff has 
been regularly established. It consists of thirty pupils, 
taken from all arms of the service, fifteen entering each 
year. The candidate must have served two years with 
his regiment, and be over twenty-one and under twenty- 
six years of age. The competition for entrance is very 
active. The course is two years. 

26 



390 History of West Point. 

" During four months of each year, they do duty with 
troops of a different arm from that to whicli they belong. 
One month of the first year is devoted to surveying, and 
one month of the second to reconnoissance. Immediately 
after the final examination the students receive appoint- 
ments in the Staff Corps, if there are vacancies, in the 
order of merit. If there are no vacancies, the student 
returns to his regiment until a vacancy occurs. If he is 
a second lieutenant, he is promoted to the rank of first 
lieutenant ; if a first lieutenant, after three years' ser- 
vice, he is made a captain." 



MILITARY EDUCATION IN RUSSIA. 

"But little information respecting the military schools 
of Russia has been collected. 

" 1. There are twenty-two military colleges for the 
guards and line, containing more than seven thousand 
cadets. 

"2. One page corps, of one hundred and sixty scholars. 

"3. One school of ensigns for the guards, with two 
hundred students. 

"4. One artillery school, with one hundred and twenty 
students. 

" 5. One engineer school, with one hundred and twenty 
or one hundred and thirty students. Making an aggre- 
gate of over eight thousand military students. 

" There is, besides, an imperial staff school, into which 



Appendix. 391 

twenty or twenty-five officers, possessing certain qualifi- 
cations, enter each year, after an examination. The term 
of instruction is two years. 

" Upon graduation, the most distinguished scholar of 
each class is promoted at once to the staff as captain ; 
the next two receive rewards of extra pay and medals. 
At the end of a year, after leaving the school, all the 
graduates are attached to the staff, hut are not at once 
promoted in it." 



THE END. 



ADDENDA TO THE HISTORY OF WEST POINT. 



Extracts from Acts of Congress relating to the United States 
Military Academy. 

March 3, 1863, to August 1, 1871. 



CHAPTER XLV. ACT OF APRIL 1st, 1864 

An Act making approjjriations for the support of the 3filitary Academy 
for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and sixty-five. 



Sec. 2. And he it firther enacted, That the thirty-fifth section of the 
act entitled "An act for enrolling and calling out the national forces, 
and for other purposes," approved March three, eighteen hundred 
and sixty-three, shall not be deemed hereafter to prohibit the pay- 
ment to enlisted men employed at the Military Academy of the exti*a- 
duty pay heretofore allowed by law to enlisted men when employed 
at constant labor for not less than ten days continuously.* 

Sec, 3. And he it further enacted. That from and after the first day 
of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, the annual pay of cadets 
at the Military Academy at West Point shall be the same as that 
allowed to midshipmen at the Naval Academy, and the amount 
necessary for that purpose is hereby appropriated. 

Sec. 4. And he it further enacted, That cadets found deficient at 
any examination shall not be continued at the Mditary Academy, 
or be reappointed except upon the recommendation of the Academic 
Board. 

Sec 5. And he it further enacted, That no part of the money 
hereby appropriated shall be applied to the support or pay of any 
cadets hereafter appointed, not in conformity with the expressed 
provisions of law regulating appointments of cadets at that Acad- 
emy. 



* Act op April 23, 1856— Ante. * Act op March 3, 1863— Chapter LXXV. Sec. 35.— "And be it 
further enacted, That hereafter details to special service shall only be made with the consent of the 
commanding officer of the forces in the field ; and enlisted men, now or hereafter detailed to special 
service, shall not receive any extra pay for such services beyond that allowed to other enlisted men." 



394 Addenda. 

No. 67. 

Joint Eesolution in relation to the Professors in the Military Academy 
at West Point. — Approved July 2, 1864. 

Besolved by the Senate and House of Eep7'esenfa(ives of the United 
States of America, in Congress assembled. That the thirty-first section* 
of the act, entitled " An act for enrolling and calling out the national 
forces, and for other purposes," approved March third, eighteen 
hundred and sixty-three, or the eleventh section* of "An act to 
increase the pay of soldiers in the United States Army, and for other 
purposes," approved June twentieth, eighteen hundred and sixty- 
four, shall not be construed to abridge the privileges usually 
allowed to the professors of the Military Academy of being absent 
during the suspension of the ordinary academic studies of that 
institution. 

CHAPTER LXXV. ACT OF MARCH 2d, 1865. 

An Act making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy 
for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and sixty-six. 

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That section four of chapter 
forty-five of the public acts of the first session of the thirty-eighth 
Congress, relating to cadets " found deficient," is hei'eby repealed. 

CHAPTER ex. ACT OF JUNE 8th, 1866. 

An Act making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy 
for the year ending the thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty- 



Sec 2. And be it further enacted, That no person who has served in 
any capacity in the military or naval service of the so-called Con- 
federate States during the late rebellion shall hereafter receive an 
appointment as a Cadet at the Military or Naval Academy. 

[Public Resolution. — No. 42.] 

Joint Resolution relative to the appointments to the Military Academy of 

the United States. 

Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United, 
States of America, in Congress assembled. That the age for the admis- 
sion of cadets to the United States Military Academy shall hei'eafter 
be between seventeen and twenty-two years ; but any person who 
has served honorably and faithfully not less than one year as an 
ofiicer or enlisted man in the army of the United States, either as a 
Volunteer or in the Regular Service, in the late war for the supj)res- 
sion of the Rebellion, and who possesses the other qualifications pre- 

* The first reduces the pay of officers absent from duty, with or without leave, who were not disabled ; 
^nd the second permitted leave of absence, not to exceed thirty days in any one year, without such 
reduction. 



Addenda. 395 

scribed by law, sball be eligible to appointment up to the age of 
twenty-four years. 

Sec. 2. And be it further resolved, that cadets at the Military 
Academy shall hereafter be appointed one year in advance of the 
time of their admission, except in cases where, by reason of death or 
other cause, a vacancy occurs which cannot be thus provided for by 
such appointment in advance; but no pay or allowance shall be made 
to any such appointee until he shall be regularly admitted on 
examination as now provided by law ; nor sh'^ll this provision apply 
to appointments to be made in the present year. And in addition 
to the requirements necessary for admission as provided by the 
third section of the " Act making further provisions for the Corps of 
Engineers," approved April twenty-nine, eighteen hundred and 
twelve, candidates shall be required to have a knowledge of the ele- 
ments of English grammar, of descriptive geography, particularly of 
our own country, and of the history of the United States. 

*Sec. 3. And he it further resolved, That in all appointments of 
cadets to the Military Academy after those who enter the present 
year, the person authorized to nominate shall nominate not less than 
five candidates for each vacancy, all of whom shall be actual resid- 
ents of the Congressional District, Territory, or District of Columbia, 
entitled to the appointment ; and the selection of one shall be made 
fi'om the candidates according to their respective merits and quali- 
fications, under such rules and regulations as the Secretary of War 
shall from time to time prescribe. And in like manner the Presi- 
dent of the United States shall be aitthorized hereafter to nominate 
fifty at large each year, instead of ten as now provided by law, who 
shall be examined under like regulations, and of whom the ten who 
may be reported as most meritorious and best qualified shall be ap- 
pointed. Provided, however, That not more than two of these shall 
be appointed in any year from one State. 

Approved, June 16, 1866. 

CHAPTER CLXXVI. ACT OF JULY 13th, 1866. 

An Act making appropriations for the support of the Army for the year 
ending thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, and for 
other purposes. 

Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That the Superintendent of the 
United States Military Academy may hereafter be selected, and the 
officers on duty at that institution detailed from any arm of the ser- 
vice; and the supervision and charge of the Academy shall be in the 
War Department under such officer or officer's as the Secretary of 
War may assign to that duty. 

Approved, July 13, 1866. 



* Repealed, March 2, 1867. 



396 Addenda. 



CHAPTER CCXCIX. ACT OF JULY 28th, 1866. 

An Act to increase and fix the military jjeace establishmejit of the United 

States. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America, in Congress asf^embled, That the military peace 
estabhshraent of the United States shall hereafter consist of five 
regiments of artillery, ten regiments of cavalry, forty-five regitnents 
of infantry, the professors and corps of cadets of the United States 
Military Academy, and such other forces as shall be provided for by 
this act, to be known as the Army of the United States. 

******** 

Sec. 7. And be it further enacted. That fifteen bands, including the 
band at the Military Academy, may be retained or enlisted in the 
army, with such organization as is now provided by law, to be 
assigned to brigades in time of war, and in time of peace to assem- 
bled brigades, or to forts or posts at which the largest number of 
troops shall be ordinarily stationed, and the band at the Military 
Academy shall be placed on the same footing as other bands. 

Approved July 28, 1866. 

CHAPTER C. ACT OF FEBRUARY 28th, 1867. 

An Act making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy 
for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and sixty- 
eight, and for other j^urposes. 



Sec. 2. And be it further enacted. That the cadets of the Military 
Academy be entitled to the ration now received by the acting mid- 
shipmen of the Naval Academy, commencing at the date of the ap- 
proval of the law authorizing the same.* 

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That hereafter the assistant pro- 
fessor of Spanish shall receive the same pay and emoluments allowed 
to other a.sistant professors of the academy. 

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That no part of the moneys 
appropriated by this or any other act shall be applied to the pay or 
subsistence of any cadet from any State declared to be in rebelUon 
against the Government of the United States, appointed after the 
first day of January, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, until such 
State shall have been restox-ed to its original relations to the Union. 

Approved February 28, 1867. 



* Sec. 8. And be it further enacted, That midshipmen and acting midshipmen in the navy of the 
United States shall be entitled to one ration, or commutatiou therefor. [Chapter 296, Act making civil 
appropriations, etc. Approved, July 28, 1866.] 



Addenda. 397 

CHAPTER CXLV. ACT OF MARCH 2d, 1867. 

An Act to provide for a temporary increase of the pay of officers in the 
army of the United States, and for other purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Beoi'esentatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That for two years from the 
first day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-six, all officers of the 
army below the rank of major-general, including the professors at 
"West Point, shall be paid an addition of thirty-three and one-third 
per centum to their present pay proper ; and the j^ay and emolu- 
ments of all field and other mounted officers shall hereafter be the 
same as is now provided by law for cavalry ofiicers of like grades. 

Approved March 2, 1867. 

CHAPTER CLXX. ACT OF MARCH 2d, 1867. 

An Act making apjyropriations for the support of the army for the year 
ending Jane thirtieth, eighteen hundred and. sixty-eight, and for 
other p)urp)Oses. 

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That section three of the joint 
resolution relative to appointments to the Military Academy, 
approved June sixteen, eighteen hundred and sixty-six, be, and the 
same is hereby repealed. 

Approved March 2, 1867. 

CHAPTER I. ACT OF DECEMBER 14th, 1867. 

An Act granting a certain right of way to the Hudson River West Shore 
Railroad Company. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the consent of the 
United States is hereby given to the Hudson River West Shore 
Railroad Company to locate, construct, and operate its railroad on 
the Shore line, across the property belonging to the Government at 
West Point in the State of New York, upon such location and under 
such regulations as shall be approved by the Secretai-y of War. 

Approved December 14, 1867. 

CHAPTER XXX ACT OF MARCH 16th, 1868. 

An Act making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy 
for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and sixty 
nine. 

******* * * ** 

Provided, That the second section of the act approved April first, 
eighteen hundred and sixty-four, " making appropriations for the. 
support of the Military Academy for the year ending June thirtieth, 
eighteen hundred and sixty-five," is hereby repealed. 



398 Addenda. 

Provided, That the second section of the act, approved August 
eighth, eighteen hundred and forty-six, making appropriations for 
the support of the Military Academy for the year ending the thirtieth 
of June, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, be amended by striking 
out the first proviso in said section, and by inserting in Heu thereof 
the following: Provided, that the whole number of visitors each year 
shall not exceed seven. 

Provided, That no part of the sums appropriated by the provisions 
of this act shall be expended in violation of the provisions of an act 
entitled "An act to prescribe an oath of office, and for other pur- 
poses," approved July second, eighteen hundred and sixty-two: 
And provided further, i]i'd.t wo part of the moneys appropriated by 
this act shall be apjjlied to the pay or subsistence of any cadet from 
any State declared to be in rebellion against the Government of the 
United States, appointed after the first day of January, eighteen 
hundred and sixty-eight, until such State shall have been returned to 
its original relations to the Union. 

CHAPTER CCXXVI. ACT OF JULY 23d, 1868. 

An Act to construct a ivagon road from West Point to Cornwall Land- 
ing, all in the county of Orange, State of New York. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House (f Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the superintendent of 
the Military Academy at West Point be authorized and directed to 
use the labor in the employ of the United States Government at that 
post, when not otherwise employed, in building and constructing a 
wagon road from West Point to Cornwall Landing, in the county of 
Orange, said road to be located under the direction of the said 
superintendent, over land now belonging or hereafter to be ceded to 
the Government of the United States for that purpose. 

Approved July 23, 1868. 

CHAPTER CXXIV. ACT OF MARCH 3d, 1869. 

An Act making appropriations for the support of the army for the year 
ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy, and for other 
purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, * * * * 

Sec. 5. And be it further enacted. That of the fifteen bands now in 
the service, organized under the provisions of section seven of an act 
entitled " An act to increase and fix the military peace establish- 
ment of the United States," approved July twenty-eighth, eighteen 
hundred and sixty-six, all except the band of the Military Academy 
shall be honorably discharged without delay, and shall receive full 
pay and allowance to the date of such discharge. * * * 

Approved March 3, 1869 



Addenda! 399 

CHAPTER XVIIL ACT OF FEBRUARY 21st, 1870. 

Ai\ Act making appropriations foi- the support of the llilitanj Academy 
for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy- 
one. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Eepresentalives of the United 
States cf America in Congiess Assembled, 

********* 

And hereafter, in addition to the other other members of the 
Board of Visitors to be appointed by the President, according to 
existing law, to attend the annual examination of cadets at the 
United States Military Academy, there shall be on every such board 
two senators, to be designated by the Vice-President or President 
jjro tempore of the Senate; and three members of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Repre-' 
sentatives; such designations, respectively, to be made at the session 
of Congress next preceding the time of sucli examination; and the 
senators and members so appointed shall make full report of their 
action as such visitors, with their views and recommendations in re- 
gard to the said Military Academy, within twenty days after the 
meeting of Congress, at the session next succeeding the time of their 
appointment. 

Approved February 21, 1870. 

PUBLIC RESOLUTION-No. 25. 

Joint Resolution donating captured cannon for the purpose of con- 
structing a monument at West Point, New York. 

Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of War is 
hereby authorized and directed to deliver to Professor A. E. Church, 
Treasurer of the Battle Monument Committee, fifty bronze guns cap- 
tui'ed from the rebels, to be used in the construction of a monument 
at West Point, New York, in memory of the officers and soldiers of 
the Regular Army who fell in the late war, and in the ornamenta- 
tion of the grounds around said monument. 

Approved April 28, 1870. 

CHAPTER CCXCIV. ACT OF JULY 15th, 1870. 

An Act making appropriations for the support of the Army for the year 
ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-one, and for other 
purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, 

*** ****** 

Sec. 13. And be it further enacted. That the Professors of the United 

States Military Academy whose service in the Army and at the 

Academy exceeds thirty-five years shall have the pay of Colonel, and 

those whose like service is less than thirty-five, but exceeds twenty- 



400 Addenda. 

five years, shall have the pay of Lieutenant-Colonel; and all other 
Professors shall have the pay of Major; and hereafter there shall be 
allowed and paid to said Professors ten per centum of their current 
yearly pay for each and every term of five years continuous service : 
Frovided, That such addition shall in no case exceed forty per 
centum of said yearly pay; and said Professors are hereby placed 
upon the same footing as regards retirement from active service as 
officers of the Army. 

********* 

Sec. 19. And he it further enacted. That nothing in this act shall be 
construed to prevent the assignment to duty as additional Second 
Lieutenants of the graduates of the Military Academy. 

********* 

Sec. 21. And he it further enacted, That the Secretaries of War and 
the Navy be, and they are hereby, authorized and directed so to ar- 
range the course of studies and the order of recitations at the Mili- 
tary and Naval Academies that the students in said institutions will 
not be required to pursue their studies on Sunday. 

Approved July 15, 1870. 

LAWS OF NEW YORK, FORTY-NINTH SESSION. 
CHAPTER LXIV. 

An Act to cede to the United States the jurisdiction of this State to certain 
lands at West Point in the County of Orange. 

Be it enacted hy the people of the State of New York, represented in 
Senate and Assemhly, That the jurisdiction of this State, in and over 
the tract of land hereinafter described, be and the same is hereby 
ceded to the United States; that is to say, all that piece or parcel of 
land lying in the town of Cornwall, in the county of Orange, and 
bounded as follows: — Beginning at the north-easterly corner of the 
piece of land herein intended to be described, at the mouth of a 
small creek which enters into the Hudson River near the old stores, 
and thence up and along the south-easterly side of the said creek, to 
its intersection with the north-easterly side of the road leading from 
West Point to John Kronkhite's; thence south-eastei'ly along the 
north-easterly side of the said road, to its intersection with the road 
which leads from West Point southerly to the widow Kinslej^'s; 
thence from said point of intersection due south to a point seven 
chains south of the line which divides the Gridley farm from the 
post of West Point; and from thence south, eighty-one degrees east, 
to the Hudson River, on a line parallel with the said division line; 
and from thence northwardly along the low-water mark of the said 
river, to the place of beginning, containing two hundred and twenty 
acres or thereabouts. Frovided nevertheless that such jurisdiction so 
ceded as aforesaid, shall not extend or be construed to extend, so as 
to impede or prevent the execution of any process, civil or criminal, 
under the authority of this State, except so far as such process may 
affect the real or personal property of the United States, within the 
said above-described tract of land. 

Passed, March 2d, 1826. 



GENERAL INDEX. 



A. 

PAGE 

Acres, number of at "West Point 9 

Advantage of West Point to both parties 90 

American cause, disheartening condition of 88 

Advance of the British up the Hudson , 43 

Arnold, Major-General, ordered to West Point 87 

" desires a Map of the Country, below 87 

" disaffection of 88 

" appointment to meet John Anderson 96 

" receives a flag from the Vulture 100 

" last interview with Washington 100 

" interview with John Anderson 102 

" return from Smith's, to Robinson's House 104 

" flight of, to the enemy 122 

" letter to Washington 136 

" letter to Sir Henry Clinton 138 

" letter to Washington 143 

Arnold, James Robertson (General Arnold's son) 122 

Anderson, John, secret correspondence of 92 

" " letter from Gdstavus to 92 

" " attempts to reach New York by land 1 04 

" " arrives at Dobb's Ferry 99 

" " capture of, near Tarrytown 106 

" " papers found on the person of 110 

" " conveyed to Lower Salem 120 

" " description of, by Lieutenant King 120 

" " escorted to the Robinson House 121 

. " " declares hia rank and station 121 

Andre, John, not imprisoned in Fort Putnam 1 24 

letters to Washington and Sheldon 132 

letter to Sir Henry Clinton 138 

letter to Washington 147 

not tried by a Court-Martial 149 

statement before the Board 149 

opinion of the Board on 139 



402 History of West Point. 

PACK 

Andre, John, execution of, at Tappan 151 

" " exhumation of, in 1821 151 

Artillerists and Engineers 167 

" " " laws relating to 337 

" " " school for, at West Point 206 

" " " teachers of the Arts and Sciences for. ... 338 

" " " Corps separated 206 

Acting Assistant Professors among Cadets , 221 

Academy, the old, destroyed by fire 223 

" " " description of 255 

Appointment and selection of Cadets 228 

Appointment of Cadets, considerations upon , , 231 

Appointment of Officers of the Army — three methods 233 

Appointment of Cadets, not exclusive 234 

" " " and of citizens contrasted 236 

" " " first regulated by law 244 

" " " " At Large". . . ." 244 

Academic Building, description of 258 

Appointment of Cadets, how made at present 265 

Academic instruction, organization of 271 

Autumn landscapes 306 

Appropriations for Military Academy 311 

Adjutants at Military Academy, list of 318 

Admissions into the MQitary Academy, list of 320 

Artillery Detachment authorized at Military Academy 335 

B. 

Battery at Moore's House 24 

Barbette Battery, on Constitution Island 27 

Battery, opposite West Point, east side of the Hudson 27 

British, advance up the Hudson 43 

Battery Sherburne, commenced 66 

Boom at West Point, relic of 70 

" " " letter of General Chnton 49 

" " " letter of Colonel Hughes 48 

" '' " bill of 71 

" " " where placed 73 

" " " use as a bridge. 77 

" " " secured to shore 77 

Bauman, Major S., letters from 112 

Board of General Officers, proceedings 124 

" " " " Report of 13J9 

Barron, George, first Teacher of Mathematics 206 

Barron, William A., Teacher 208 

Board of Visitors — first authorized 215 

" " first introduced 218 

" " abolished 349, 245 

" " again authorized 350, 246 

Bailey, Lieutenant J. W., appointed Professor 224 



General Index. 403 

PAGB 

Brewerton, Captain Henry, appointed Superintendent 245 

Barracks, The new Cadet, commenced and completed 247 

" " " " description of. 261 

" " " " how furnished 298 

" " " " return to, from Camp 305 

Barracks, The "North" and " South," description of 254 

" " " " " demolished 247 

Barracks, The Band 256 

Barracks, The Artillery, Cavalry, and Engineer 263 

Bowman, Major A. H., appointed Superintendent 251 

Buildings, United States, description of 253 

" " " permission to visit 28G 

Battahon of Cadets, organization of. 269 

Blackboard, a ruUng feature 272 

Break Neck Mountain 284 

Butter Hill, and Bull Hill, Mountains 284 

Belcher, Henry "W., residence of 300 

Battery Knox 294 

Baud, at the Military Academy 335 

c. 

Congreve, Charles — Patent of land 9 

Commissioners, United States, define the boundaries 11 

Ceded District, at West Point , 12 

Continental Congress, resolutions of May 25, 1775 18 

Congress Provincial, order of May 30, 1775 18 

" " report of Committee, June 13, 1775 19 

" " resolution of August 18, 1775 19 

Commissioners to erect fortifications in the Highlands 19 

Commissioners, en route to Canada, report on Highlands 27 

Constitution Island, area and height of 21 

Committee, report on fortifications on the Hudson 25 

Congress, resolve to fortify Pooplojien's Kill 27 

Constitution Island, Barbette Battery upon 27 

Clinton, Colonel James, to proceed to the Highlands 28 

Congress, New York, Provincial, changed to Convention 39 

Clinton, General George, to command in the Highlands 41 

Chain and Boom, at Fort Montgomery 42 

Chain at Fort Montgomery 70 

Capture of Forts Montgomery and Clinton 46 

Chain and Boom proposed at West Point 48 

Chain at West Point, contract for 56 

" " " General Parsons reports complete 61 

" " " put together at New Windsor 69 

" " " taken to West Point 73 

" " " drawn across the Hudson 75 

" " " description of 75 

" " " relic of, in existence 78,303 

" « " sale of * 164 



404. 



History of West Point. 



Clinton, General George, recommends a strong fortress at "West Point 51 

Continental Village, destruction of 47 

Clinton, Sir Henry, his idea 92 

" " letter to Washington 143,138 

" " " despatch to Lord Germain , 94 

Cow-boys and Skinners 105 

Capture of Anderson 106 

" " " Narrative of David Williams 107 

Council of War, proceedings of, 1780 116 

Chastellux, Marquis De, visit at West Point 153 

Committee of Congress visit the Army, at New York 176 

Cadets, increase in the number of 198 

" first appointed to the Military Academy 208 

" for the Army increased 209 

" first accommodations for 209 

" qualifications first prescribed 211 

" first armed with muskets 213 

" rules for promotion of 214, 280 

" uniform prescribed 215 

Colonel of 218 

" Chevrons, first authorized 218 

" Commandant of 226, 250, 315, 218, 355 

" Battalion of, organized 218 

" most distinguished, to be pubhshed 219 

" amenable to martial law 220 

" case of F., L., H., and Y 220 

" as Assistant Professors 222 

" excursions of 222 

" sworn to serve the United States eight years 224 

" cannot demand promotion 224 

" appointment and selection of 227 

" not the representatives of the wealthy 230, 234 

" appointments, considerations upon 231 

" " not exclusive 235 

" " and citizens contrasted 236 

" " first regulated by law . . .' 244 

" " At Large 245 

" " how made at present 265 

" " law for 348 

" " newly made, when to report 267 

" " examination of 268 

" " date of rank and pay 268 

" " class organization 271 

" pay reduced 245 

" law for 349 

" course of study changed in length 248, 250, 252 

" pay increased 249 

" " lawfor 355 

" loyalty of 252 

" oath of allegiance prescribed, 252 



General Index. i405 

PAGE 

Cadets, discharged, not to be returned 252, 273, 358 

" Hospital for 256 

" number of, limited 265 

" military instruction of. 268 

" organization of the battalion 269 

" officers of, appointed 269 

" general merit, ascertained 273 

" conduct-roll, importance of 276 

" discipline among, maintained 278 

" conduct, proficiency in, determined 278 

" promotion of 280 

" percentage of, who graduate 281 

" Barrack, how furnished 298 

" encampment of 304 

" return from Camp to Barracks 305 

" whole number admitted 320 

" whole number of graduates 322 

" circumstances, of parents 324 

" list of five most distinguished 325 

Crozet, Professor Claude 219 

Cavalry instruction introduced 226 

Commandant of the Post of West Point 227 

Commandant of Cadets, appointment restricted 226 

Commandant of Cadets, to have local rank 250 

" list of 316 

Commission, United States, ordered to West Point 250 

Chapel for Cadets I 257 

Cavalry Stables 262 

Crow Nest 284 

Cold Spring, ferry to 285 

Clark, Ransom, Narrative of Dade's Massacre 290 

Chain Battery walk 294 

Chapel, trophies in 295 

Cozzens' Hotel 301 

Chain, relic of, 1863 78, 303 

Cavalry Detachment, authorized at Mihtary Academy 226 

Chaplain at the Military Academy 220, 314, 345 

D. 

De Masson, Prancis, appointed teacher of French 208 

Department of Geography, History, and Ethics 219 

De Russy, Major R. E., appointed Superintendent 223 

Department of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology 224 

Delafield, Major Richard, appointed Superintendent 226 

" " '< " " (second time) 249 

Department of Spanish . • 249 

Discharged Cadets, law of Congress upon 252, 358 

Drills commence and terminate 270 

Discipline among Cadets, maintained _• 278 



406 History of West Point. 

PAGE 

Discipline among Cadets, general features of 279 

Dade's Monument 288 

Dade's Massacre, Narrative of Survivor 290 

Distinguished Cadets, list of 325 

Demerit Record, importance of. 276 

E. 

Evans, Captain John, grant of land 9 

Engineers and Artillerists 167 

Excursions of the Corps of Cadets 222 

Examinations in January and June 222 

Ethics, Assistant Professor of, authorized 226, 348 

Engineer Soldiers authorized 245, 350 

" " increase of 357 

Examination of New Cadets 268 

Encampment of the Cadets 304 

Engineers and Topographical Engineers united 360 

F. 

First settlement at West Point , 9 

Fortifications in the Highlands, early action on ,. , 18 

" " " Commissioners, appointed to erect 19 

" " " commencement of the first 22 

" " " Plans, and estimate of 22 

" " " Commander appointed 25 

" " " Committee to view , 25 

" " " report of Canada commissioners. 27 

" " " Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston to command.. . . 28 

" " " Colonel James Clinton proceeds to 28 

" " " Letter from Wasliington to Putnam 28 

" " " Lord Stirling's report on 29 

" " " five General Officers examine 42 

Fortifications at West Point commenced 55 

" " dismantled 164 

Fort Constitution, plan not approved 23 

" garrison ordered to 24 

" overlooked by West Point 25 

" return of garrison at, 1776 35 

" occupation of, and capture 47 

Fort Montgomery, first mention of 24 

" Boom and Chain at, recommended 42 

" capture of, and abandonment 46 

Fort Arnold first named 79 

" discrepancies in name of , 79 

Fort Clinton first named, at West Point 79 

" condition of 155 

Fort Putnam, condition of 63, 153 



General Index. ^407 

PAOB 

Fort Putnam, height of^ above Plain and the Hudson 257 

" views from 299 

Fort Wyllis and Fort Meigs 65, 154 

Fort Webb 65 

Fort Slierburne , 157 

Fires at West Point 85 

Feu de Joie at West Point, 1782 156 

Flemming, Major George, commands at West Point 164 

Frigates, burnt and sunk, attempt to raise , 165 

Fourth Class, organization of 271 

Foundry, the West Point, at Cold Spring 285 

Ferry to Cold Spring 285 

Fish, Ex-Governor Hamilton, residence of. 300 

Field-Music, at the MiUtary Academy 336 



G. 

Geological formation at West Point 14 

Garrison at West Point, l779-'80 85 

" " return of, 1780 114 

" Gustavus," letter to John Anderson 92 

Greene, Major-General, ordered to West Point 152 

Grand Colonnade, description of 156 

General merit of Cadets ascertained 273 

Guns, trophies, presented General Greene 295 

Guns, trophy, Mexican, &c 303 

Gallery of pictures 297 

Graduates, in civil life, services of 184 

" average term of service 241 

" percentage of, and service 281 

" whole number, list of . . 322 



H. 

Hudson River, important to colonists 15 

" " English government 16 

" " defend 49 

Hamilton, Major-General, Report on value of West Point 10 

Hughes, Colonel Hugh, sketch of 59 

Heath, Major-General, ordered to West Point 152 

Hostilities, cessation of 178 

Huntingdon, Brigadier-General, views on a MiUtary Academy 178 

Hindman, Brevet-Colonel J 220 

Hospital, the Cadet, description of 256-299 

Hotel, the West Point 257 

Hospital, the Soldiers' 263 

Hotel, Cozzens' 301 

Holy Innocents, Church of o . . . . 301 



408 History of West Point. 



I. 

PAOB 

Importance of West Point, no longer strategic 171 

Iron Works, the Stirling 56 

Instructions to General Parsons to erect works 63 

Idea of Sir Henry Clinton 92 

Interview between Arnold and Anderson, at Dobb's Ferry, a failure 99 

Instruction, Military, at West Point 268 

Instruction, Academic, " 271 

Inspectors of the Military Academy, list of 313 

Instructors of Practical Engineering 316 

" Ordnance and Gunnery 313 

" Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry 316, 317, 356 

J. 

Jurisdiction at West Point, ceded 12 

Jameson, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry, commands North Castle 109 

" " apologetic letter to Washington 1 10 

Jefferson, opinion on a Military Academy 186 

" Message on the Military Academy 192 

Jones, Eev. Cave, Chaplain 220 

K. 

Kosciuszko, appointed Engineer, 62 

" " biographical sketch of 67 

" " Monimaent of 287 

" " Garden 291 

King's Ferry 101 

Knox, Major-General, ordered to West Point 164 

" " " on military education 182 

Knowlton, Lieutenant, traces the titles at West Point 225 

Kemble, Hon. Gouv., residence of 300 

L. 

Lands at West Point, grants of 9 

" " " purchase of by the United States 11 

" " " purchased from Gridley 12 

" " " boundaries of 14 

Ludlow, grant of lands to 11 

Livingston, Lieutenant- Colonel, to command in the Highlands 28 

L'Enfant, Major Peter C. (Engineer). 161 

Liancourt, visit at West Point 171 

Lee, Brevet-Colonel Robert E., appointed Superintendent 243 

Local rank at West Point 250 

Library building, description of 259 

Library 295 

Laboratory, Ordnance and Artillery 261 

Lowe, Cadet, death of 302 



General Index. 409 

M 

PACK 

Moore, John, patent of land to 10 

Moore's house, battery at 24 

Martelaer's, Rock Island 20 

Machin, Lieutenant Thomas, sketch of 41, 69 

McDougall, Major-General, ordered to the Highlands 42 

II " " " " " " 62 

" " " relieved from command 19 

" " " to command at West Point 81 

ii " » " " » " " 152 

Molly, Captain 166 

Mihtary Academy, early recognition of 175 

" " first referred to 176 

'' " at the restoration of peace 178 

" " views of General Huntingdon 178 

" " views of Colonel Pickering 178 

" " opinions of early statesmen 180 

" " opinions of the Secretary of "War 182 

" " opinion of Mr. McHenry 188 

" " the germ thereof 183 

'» " citizen graduates' services 183 

" " favorite object of Washington 185 

" " constitutionality of 186 

" " opinion of Jefferson 186 

" " opinion of Monroe 201 

" " first organization of 191 

" " Jefferson's Message on 192 

" " Report of Colonel Williams on 193 

" " supported by President Madison 199 

" " constitutionality by Madison 199 

" " constitutionality tested 201 

" " constitutionality demonstrated 203 

" " consists of, how constituted 200 

" " enlargement of 200 

" " origin of, summary 204 

" " established when 207 

" " how organized and governed 207 

«' " Cadets first appointed , 208 

" " appointment of Cadets, &a 211 

" " discharged Cadets not to return 252 

" " number of Cadets Umited at 265 

" " how to obtain admission into 265 

" " when new Cadets report 267 

" " reorganized, April 29, 1812 210 

" " School for Engineers 209 

" " Inspector of, authorized 214 

" " infancy of 215 

" " Major Wilhams appointed Superintendent 208 

" " Colonel Swift appointed Superintendent 213 

" " Brevet-Major Thayer appointed Superintendent 217 



410 History of West Point. 

PAOB 

Military Academy, Major De Russy appointed Superintendent 223 

" " Major Delafield appointed Superintendent 225 

" " Captain Brewerton appointed Superintendent 245 

" " Brevet-Colonel Lee appointed Superintendent 248 

" " Brevet-Major Barnard appointed Superintendent 249 

" " Major Delafield appointed Superintendent, second time . . . 249 

" " Brevet-Major Beauregard appointed Superintendent 251 

" " Major Bowman appointed Superintendent 251 

" " " a school of art" 238 

" " "produced no great genius" 238 

" " recorded results 240 

" " encomium of Major-General Scott 247 

" " prosperity of 247 

" " United States Commission to investigate 250 

" " " " Commission, report of 251 

" " buildings, description of 253 

" " military instruction at 268 

" " marking for recitations at 272 

" " instruction at, contrasted 275 

" " regulations, embodiment of 276 

" " appropriations for 310 

" " successful teachings and results 277 

" " Inspectors of, Mst of. 313 

" " Superintendents of, list of 313 

" " Professors at, Mst of 314 

" " Surgeons at, hst of. 317 

" " Adjutants at, list of 318 

" " Riding-masters at, list of 318 

" " Sword-masters at, list of 318 

» " number of Cadets admitted into 320, 321 

" " whole number of graduates at 322 

" " parentage of Cadets at 324 

" " five Cadets most distinguished at 325 

" " Band at, authorized 335 

" " Detachment of Artillery 335 

" " Detachment of Cavalry 226 

" " Company " A," 2d Artillery, at 335 

" " Company "F," 4th Artillery, at 335 

" " Field-Music at 336 

" " Teachers of Music at, list of 337 

" " Acts of Congress, list of 337 

" " Teachers of French and Drawing 341 

» " Act of Congress, 1812 341 

" " Engineer Soldiers at 346,350 

" " Chaplain at 345 

" " Professor of Chemistry, &c., law for 347 

" " Assistant Professor of Ethics at, law for 343 

" " Double rations at 348 

" " " " discontinued at 358 

" " Board of Visitors at, discontinued 349 



General Index. 411 

PAGE 

Military Academy, Board of Visitors at, reappointed 350 

" " Professors of Drawing and French at. 351-353 

" " " pay of 352,353 

" " Superintendent, pay of. 355 

" '• Adjutant, pay of 353 

" " Assistant Professors of French and Drawing, law for. . . . 353 

" " Librarian, and Clerks in offices, pay of 354 

" " Library furnished with documents 354 

" " Professor of Spanish authorized 355 

" " Superintendent and Commandant, local rank 355 

" " Instructors, ArtUlery, Infantry, and Cavalry, pay of 356 

" " Discharged Cadets, law for 358 

" " United States Commission at, law for 356 

" " Oath of AUegiance for Cadets 358,359 

" " Oath of Office 359 

Military School, at West Point 171 

" " authorized by Congress 186 

" " for Artillerists and Engineers 206 

Military Education not sought by American youth 183 

" " opinion of Mr. McHenry on 188 

Military men, their brief career 184 

Military Education in Europe 362 

Military School, at St. Cyr, in France 364 

" " The Polytechnic, in France 368 

" " of Application Artillery and Engineering, at Metz, in France 371 

" " for the Staff, in France 373 

Military Education in England 377 

Military Academy, the Royal, at "Woolwich 378 

" " Royal Engineers, at Chatham 380 

" " at Sandhurst 377 

" " at Addiscombe 377 

Military Education in Prussia 382 

Military School for Cadets, Prussian 382 

" " of Artillerists and Engineers, Prussian 383 

" " of the Staff at Berlin, Prussian 385 

Military Education in Austria 386 

" " " the Artillery Academy 387 

" " " " Engineering Academy. 388 

" " " " School of the Staff 389 

" " Russia 390 

Mansfield, Captain Jared, appointed Teacher 203 

Marking for recitations 272 

Magazine, powder 263 

Mess-Hall (old) demolished 247 

" " " description of 256 

" " (new) description of 262 

" " " internal regulations 269 

" "^ " Purveyor of 298 

Monument, Kosciuszko's 287 

" Dade's 288 



412 History of West Point. 



PAGE 



Monument, the Cadets' 301, 302 

" Lieutenant Colonel Wood's 302 

Mortar, the 13-inch 295 

Models, Mathematics and Engineering 298 

Museum, Ordnance and Artillery 296 

N. 

NicoU. Isaac, commands in the Highlands 21 

North Redoubt on fire 85 

Niven, Major Daniel, report of 1 69 

Number of Cadets limited 265,348 

o. 

Obstruction of the Hudson, methods and places 39 

Order-Book of Washington, and Orders 82 

Observatory and Library, description of 259 

Ordnance and Artillery Laboratory 261 

Officers, selection in Battalion Cadets, of. 269 

P. 

Pooplopen's Kill, a defensive point 26 

" " resolution to fortify 27 

" " works at, commenced 38 

Palmer, report on Bernard Romans 26 

Putnam, General, to relieve General McDougall 43 

Putnam, Colonel Rufus, sketch of 62 

Putnam, Fort, commenced 63, 153 

" " height above Plain, &c 257 

" " view from 300 

Provincial Convention, New York, confers with General Putnam 52 

Progress made on the works at West Point 60 

Parsons, General, assumes direction of works 60 

" " reports completion of Chain 61 

" " instructions to erect works at West Point 63 

" " left in command at West Point 79 

" " on disposition of Army for winter 80 

Profanity, Washington's order upon 84 

Parties, Fatigue 84 

Proceedings of a Board of General OfQcers 131 

Pickering, Colonel, views on Military Academy 178 

Partridge, Captain Alden 209 

Promotion of Cadets, rules for 214, 280 

Pay of Cadets commences 268 

" " reduced 245, 349 

" " increased 249, 354 

Professor of French and of Drawing 246, 351 

Professor of Spanish 249, 354 



^ 



General Index. 413 

PAGE 

Professors at Military Academy, list of 314 

" " " pay of 351, ;r2 

Plain of West Point, height above river 257 

" " area and distance around 26-i 

Programme of study and duty 2T-i 

Parrott, Robert P., establishment of 285 

Percentage of Cadets, who graduate 281 

Permits to visit the public buildings 286 

Picture-Gallery 29T 

Parents of Cadets, circumstances of 324 



Quarters for OfiBcers and Professors erected 264 

Qualifications for Cadet applicants 266 



R. 

Romans, Bernard, appointed Engineer 21 

" " plans and estimates 22 

" " plans not approved 23 

" " controversy with Commissioners 24 

" " Palmer's report upon 26 

Report of Committee of New York Provincial Congress, and Committee of 

Officers in the Highlands 53 

Robinson, Colonel Beverly, letter from New York Committee of Safety 22 

" " reply to " " " 23 

" " his estate and family 93 

" " letter to Washington 137 

Robinson House, the 96 

Radiere, Lieutenant-Colonel Louis De, sketch of 67 

Redoubts commenced at West Point 67 

" completed " " 82 

" the " North" on fire 86 

Redoubt Hill , 28'J 

Red House, the, where situated 77 

Report of the Board of General Officers 1 39 

Report of Committee Visiting the Army, on Military Academy 173 

Return of the Garrison at West Point, 1780 114 

Robertson, letter to Washington 143 

Rochefontaine, Colonel 167 

Rivardi, John Jacob Ulrick 167 

Riding-Hall, the, completed 248 

" description of 262, 299 

Rank, local, authorized 250 

Report of New Cadets at West Point 267 

Recitations, marks for 272 

Regulations Military Academy, embodiment of 276 

Relic of Great Chain 78, 303 

27 



414 History of West Point. 

s. 

PAGE 

Settlement, the first, at West Point. 9 

Stirling, Lord, report on the Highlands , . . . 29 

Stirling Iron Works 56 

Secret Committee to obstruct the Hudson 39 

" " letter to WasMngton 40 

Sherburne Battery 66 

Smith, Joshua Hett, his status 101 

" " visits the Vulture 102 

" " his fate 12-1: 

Skinners and Cow-boys 105 

St. Clair, General, ordered to West Point 152 

Swift, Colonel Joseph G., appointed Superintendent Military Academy 213 

Scott, Lieutenant-General, opinion on Mihtary Academy 247 

Study, Length of the course changed 248, 250 

Superintendent invested with local rank 249 

Stables, the Cavalry 262 

Services of the Graduates 2S1 

Silver Mine of Valenciana , 297 

Secretaries of War, list of SI""'. 

Superintendents of the Military Academy, list of 313 

Surgeons at the Military Academy 317 



Taxes at West Point 12 

Trespass, McClellan's, Mahoney's, and Swim's 13 

Troup, Colonel Robert, letter from 67 

Tallmadge, Major, detains Anderson 110 

Toussard, Major Louis 168 

Teachers of Music at West Point 337 

Teachers first appointed " 206 

Thayer, Brevet-Major, appointed Superintendent of Military Academy 217 

" " portrait of, at * * * * " " 298 

Trophies in the Chapel 29f 

Trophy Guns, &c., Mexican, &c 30? 

u. 

Uniform for Cadets prescribed 215 

V. 

Yulture, sloop-of-war, a flag from 100 

" fired on from Gallow's Point 103 

Villefranche, Major, notice of . . . . 160 

Yincent, Colonel, report ou works at West Point ] 68 

Visitors, Board of, first authorized 215 

" " introduced 218 

«' " abohshed. 245, 349 



General Index. 415 

PAGE 

Visitors, Board of, again authorized 246, 300 

Visitors, on the grounds and Post, may be exckided , , ....... ,. 220 



w. 

"West Point, grant of lands at 9 

" " number of acres at 9 

" " first settlement at 9 

" " report of General Hamilton on 10 

" " purchase of, by United States 11 

" " boundaries defined by United States Commissioners 11 

" " jurisdiction over Cadets by New York 12 

" " State taxes not levied at 12 

" " boundaries of 14 

" " geological formation at i4i 

" " unimportant for defence i"?!. 

" " overlooked Fort Constitution 25 

" " occupation of, first proposed 26 

" " necessity for a redoubt thereat 38 

" " Boom and Chain, letter of Colonel Hughes 48 

" " Governor Clinton recommends fortress at 51 

" " advantages at, for defence 54 

" " fortifications at, commenced 55 

' " fortifications, progress upon (Putnam) 60 

" " redoubts commenced 67 

" " " completed 82 

" " garrison at, 177 9-' 80 85 

" " severity of tlie winter at 85 

" " fires at 85 

" " presented tempting advantages to combatants 90 

" " condition of works at, 1780 115 

" " winter quarters at, 1780-81 152 

" " visit at, of Marquis De Chastellux, 153 

" " feu de joie at, 1 782 156 

" " fortifications at, dismantled 164 

" " Great Chain, sale of 165 

" " frigate sunk below 165 

" " report on the works, by Colonel Vincent 168 

" " " " " " " Major Niven 163 

" " Mihtary School at 171 

" " Liancourt visit at 171 

" " visitors at may be excluded. 220 

" " improvements at 226, 245, 249 

" " buildings, description of 253 

" Hotel " " 257 

" " Plain, height of above river. 257 

" " Plain, area, and distance around 264 

" " in 1863, description of 283 

" " Foundry at Cold Spring. 285 

" " autumnal landscape at 30G 



416 History of West Point. 



PAGE 

Washington, last interview with Arnold 100 

" arrival at Fishkill 121 

" proceeds to the Robinson House 122 

" letters to Congress 129 

" " to Sir Henry Ohnton 141 

" reply to Robertson 142 

" Head-Quarters at "West Point 81 

" Order-Book and orders 82 

" views on Military Academy 185, 187 

Williams, David, Narrative of Capture of Andre 107 

Williams, Colonel Jonathan, sketch of 193 

" " " commands at West Point 206 

" " " first Superintendent of the Military Academy .. . 20S 

Webb, Port 65 

Wyllis, Fort 65 



Military Books. 



MILITARY AND POLITICAL LIFE OF THE EMPEROR 
NAPOLEON. By Baron Jomini, General-in-Chief and Aid-de- 
Camp to the Emperor of Russia. Translated from the French, with 
notes, by H. W. Halleck, LL. D., Major-General U. S, Army. 4 
vols., royal 8vo, With an Atlas of 60 Maps and Plans. Cloth, 
$25; Half-Calf or Morocco, $35; Half-Russia, $37.50. 

*' The Atlas attached to this version of Jomini's Napoleon adds very materially to its value. It 
contains si3:ty Maps, illustrative of Napoleon's extraordinary military career, beginning with the 
Immortal Italian campaigns of 1796, and closing with the decisive Campaign of Flanders, in 1815, 
the last map showing the battle of Wavre. These maps talce the reader to Italy, Egypt, Pales- 
tine, Germany, Moravia, Russia, Spain, Portugal, and Flanders ; and their number and variety, 
and the vast and various theatres of action which they indicate, testify to the immense extent 
of Napoleon's operations, and to the gigantic character of his power. They are admirably pre- 
pared, being as remarkable for the beauty of their execution as for their strict fidelity as illus- 
trations of some of the greatest deeds in the annals of human warfare. They are worthy of the 
work to which they belong, which has been most excellently presented typographically, and de- 
eerving of the place which it has taken in Mr. Van Nostrand's noble and extensive library of 
military publications."— 5os<o« Daily Evening Traveller. 

" It is needless to say anything in praise of Jomini as a writer on the science of war. 

" General Halleck has laid the professional soldier and the student of military history under 
equal obligations by the service he has done to the cause of military literature in the preparation 
of this work for the press. His rare qualifications for the task thus undertaken will be ac- 
fcrowledged by all. 

' The notes with which the text is illustrated by General Halleck are not among the least of 
the merits of the publication, which, in this respect, has a value not possessed by the original 
work." — National Intelligencer. 

" The narrative is so brief and clear, and the style so simple and perspicuous, that it will b« 
found as interesting to unprofessional readers as it is valuable to military officers and studenta." 
—New York Times. 



•*• This is the only English translntion of this important strategical life of the great Napoleom. 

THE POLITICAL AND MILITARY HISTORY OF THE 
CAINIPAIGN OF WATERLOO. Translated from the French 
of General Baron de Jomini. By Col. S. V. Benet, U. S. Ord 
nance, i vol., i2mo, cloth. Third edition. $1.25. 



Military Boohs. 3 

TREATISE ON GRAND MILITARY OPERATIONS. Illustrated 
by a Critical and Military History of the Wars of Frederick the 
Great. With a summary of the most important principles of the Art 
of War. By Baron de Jomini. Illustrated by Maps and Plans. 
Translated from the French by Col. S. B. Holabird, A. D. C, U. S. 
Army. In 2 vols., 8vo, and Atlas. Cloth, $15 ; Half-Calf or Half- 
Morocco, $21 ; Half-Russia, $22.50 

" It is universally agreed that no art or science is more difflcult than that of war ; yet by an 
anaccountable contradiction of the human mind, those who embrace this profession take little 
or no pains to study it. They seem to thtok that the knowledge of a few insignificant and nee- 
less trifles constitute a great officer. This art, like all others, is founded on certain and f.2ed 
principles, which are by their nature invariable ; the application oftliem only can be varied." 

In this work these principles wUl be found very fully developed and Illustrated by immediate 
ai>j5lication to the most interesting campaigns of a great master. The theoretical and mechani- 
cal part of war may be acquired by any one who has the applicatiou to study, powers of reflec- 
tion, and a sound, clear common sense. 

Frederick the Great has the credit of having done much for tactics. He introduced the close 
column by division and deployments therefrom. He brought his army to a higher degree of 
ekill than any other in manoeuvring before the enemy to menace his wings or threaten his flanks. 

SCOTT'S MILITARY DICTIONARY. Comprising Technical 
Definitions ; Information on Raising and Keeping Troops ; Ac- 
tual service, including makeshifts and improved materiel, and Law, 
Government, Regulation, and Administration relating to Land 
Forces. By Colonel H. L. Scott, Inspector-General U. S. A. i 
vol., large 8vo, fully illustrated. Half-Morocco, |6 ; Half-Russia, 
$8 ; Full-Morocco, $10. 

" It is a complete Encyclopaedia of Military Science, and fully explains everything discovered 
In the art of war up to the present time."— Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. 
" It should be made a text-book for the study of every volunteer."— iTarper's MagaziM. 

CAVALRY ; ITS HISTORY, MANAGEMENT, AND USES 
IN WAR. By J. Roemer, LL.D., late an Officer of Cavalry in 
the Service of the Netherlands, Elegantly illustrated, with one hun- 
dred and twenty-seven fine wood-engravings. In one large octavo 
volume, beautifully printed on tinted paper. Cloth, $6 ; Half-calf, 
$7- 50- 
Summary of Contents. — Cavalry in European Armies ; Proportion of 
Cavalry to Infantry ; What kind of Cavalry desirable ; Cavalry indis- 
pensable in War ; Strategy and Tactics ; Organization of an Army ; 
Route Marches ; Rifled Fire-Arms ; The Charge ; The Attack ; Cav- 
alry versus Cavalry ; Cavalry versus Infantry ; Cavalry versus Artillery ; 
Field Service ; Different Objects of Cavalry ; Historical Sketches of 
Cavalry among the early Greeks, the Romans, the Middle Ages ; Dif- 
ferent kinds of Modern Cavalry ; Soldiers and Officers ; Various sys- 
tems of Training of Cavalry Horses ; Remounting ; Shoeing ; Veter- 
inary Surgeons, Saddlery, etc., etc. 

WHAT GENERAL m'CLELLAN SATS OP IT. 

" I &-n exceedingly jileased with it, and regard it as a very valuable addition to our military 
literature. It will certainly be regarded as a standard work, and I know of none so valuable to 
oni- cavalry officers. Its usefulness, however, is not confined to officers of cavalry alone, but J 
contains a great deal of general iuformatiou valuable to the officers of the other arms of eervii* 
eboecialLs those of the Staff." 



Military Books. 5 

ARMY OFFICERS' POCKET COMPANION. Principally de- 
signed for Staff Officers in the Field. Partly translated from the 
French of M. de Rouvrb, Lieutenant-Colonel of the French Staff 
Corps, with Additions from standard American, French, and English 
authorities. By Wm. P. Craighill, First-Lieutenant U. S. Corps 
of Engineers, Assistant Professor of Engineering at the U. S. Mili- 
tary Academy, West Point, i vol., i8mo, full roan. $2. 

• I have carefiiJly examined Captain Cralgliill's Pocket Companion. I find it one of the very 
best works of the kind I have ever seen. Any army or volunteer officer who will make himeell 
Bcquaiuted with the contents of this little book will seldom be ignorant of his duties in camp or 
field. " H. W. HALLECK, Major-General U. S. A." 

" I have carefully examined the ' Manual for Staff Officers in the Field.' It is a most invalua- 
ble work, admirable in arrangement, perspicuously written, abounding in most useful matters, 
and such a book as should be the constant pocket-companion of every army officer, Kegular and 
Volunteer. " G. W. CULLUM, Brigadier-General U. S. A., 

"Chief of General Halleck's StaflF, Chief Engineer Department Mississippi." 



M 



AXIMS AND INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ART OF WAR. 
A Practical Military Guide for the use of Soldiers of all Arms 
and of all Countries. Translated from the French by Captain Lendy, 
Director of the Practical Military College, late of the French Staff, 
etc., etc. I vol., i8mo, cloth. 75 cents. 



TJISTORY OF WEST POINT, and its Military Importance during 

*-*■ the American Revolution ; and the Origin and Progress of the 

United States Military Academy. By Bvt-Maj. Edward C. Boynton, 

A. M., Adjutant of the Military Academy. Second Edition, with 

numerous Maps and Engravings, i vol., octavo. Cloth, 5^4-00. 



"Aside from its value as an historical record, the volume under notice is an entertaining 
g:uide-book to the Military Academy and its surroundings. We have full details of Cadet life 
from the day of entrance to that of graduation, together with descriptions of the buildings, 
grounds, and monuments. To the multitude of those who have enjoyed at West Point the com- 
bined attractions, this book will give, in its descriptive and illustrated portion, especial pleas- 
ure." — Netv York Evening Post. 

" The second part of the book gives the history of the Military Academy from its foundation 
in 180-2, a description of the academic buildings, and the appearance to-day of this always beau- 
tiful spot, with the manner of appointment of the cadets, course of study, pay, time of service, 
and much other information yearly becoming of greater value, for West Point has not yet 
reached its palmiest days." — Daili/ Advertiser. 

WEST POINT LIFE. A poem read before the Dialectic Society 
of the United States Military Academy. Illustrated with 
twenty-two full-page Pen and Ink Sketches. By a Cadet. To 
which is added, the song, " Benny Havens, Oh I" Oblong 8v\3., 
cloth, bevelled boards, $2. 50. 



G 



UIDE TO WEST POINT AND THE U. S. MILITARY ACAD. 
EMY. With Maps and Engravings. iSmo., cloth, $1. 



^ D. Van N'ostrand's Publications. 

BENTON'S ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY. A Course of In. 
struction in Ordnance and Gunnery ; compiled for the use of 

the Cadets of the United States Military Academy, by Col. J. G. 
Benton, Major Ordnance Department, late Instructor of Ordnance 
and Gunnery, Military Academy, West Point. Third Edition, re- 
vised and enlarged, i vol., 8vo, cloth, cuts, $5. 

" A Great Military Work.— We have before us a bound volume of nearly six hundred 
pjioes, which is a comu'ete and exhaustive ' Course of Instruction in Ordnance and Gunnery,' 
ks its title states, and goes into every department of the science, including gunpowder, pro- 
jectiles, cannon, carriages, machines, and implements, small-arms, pyrotechny, science of gun- 
nery, leading, pointing, and discharging firearms, different kinds of fires, effects of projectilea 
and emploj'ment of artillery. These severally form chapter heads, and give thorough informa- 
tion on the subjects on which they treat. The most valuable and interesting information 
on all the above topics, including the history, manufactu'"^, and use of small-arms, is here con- 
centrated in compact and convenient form, making a work of rare merit and standard excel- 
lence. The work is abundantly and clearly illustrated." — Boston Traveller. 

ELECTRO-BALLISTIC MACHINES, and the Schultz Chrono- 
scoPE. By Lt.-Col. S. V. Benet. i vol., 4to, illustrated, cloth, 
$3- 

A TREATISE ON ORDNANCE AND ARMOR. Embracing De- 
scriptions, Discussions, and Professional Opinions concerning the 
Material, Fabrication, Requirements, Capabilities, and Endurance 
of European and American Guns for Naval, Sea-Coast, and Iron- 
Clad Warfare, and their Rifling, Projectiles, and Breech-Loading ; 
also, Results of Experiments against Armor, from Official Records. 
With an Appendix, referring to Gun-Cotton, Hooped Guns, etc., 
etc. By Alexander L. Holley, B. P. With 493 Illustrations. 
I vol. 8vo, 948 pages. Half roan, $10. Half Russia, $12. 

" The special feature of this comprehensive volume is its ample record of facts relating to the 
Bul>jects of which it treats, that have not before been distinctly presented to the attention of the 
public. It contains a more complete account than, as far as we are aware, can be found else- 
where, of the construction and effects of modem standard ordnance, including the improve- 
ments of Armstrong, Whitworth, Blakeley, Parrott, Brooks, Rodman, and Dahlgren; the wronght- 
Iron and steel guns ; and the latest system of rifling projectiles and breech-loading. 

THE ARTILLERIST'S MANUAL. Compiled from various 
Sources, and adapted to the Service of the United States. Pro- 
fusely illustrated with woodcuts and engravings on stone. Second 
edition, revised and corrected, with valuable additions. By Gen. 
John Gibbon, U. S. Army, i vol., 8vo, half roan, $6. 

This book is now considered the standard authority for that particular branch 
of the Service in the United States Army. The War Department, at Wash- 
ington, has exhibited its tliorough appreciation of the merits cf this volume, the 
want of which has been hitherto much felt in the service, by subscribing for 
700 copies. 

" It is with great pleasure that we welcome the appearance of a new work on this subject, 
entitled 'The Artillerist's Manual,' by Capt. Jahn Gibbon, a highly scientific and meritorious 
ofllcer of artillury in our regular service. The work, an octavo volume of 500 pages, in large, 
clear type, appears to be well adapted to supply just what has been heretofore needed to fill the 
gap between the simple manual and the more abstruse demonstrations of the science of gunnery. 
The whole work ia profusely illustrated with woodcuts and engravings on stone, tending to give 
a more complete and exact idea of the various matters described in the text. The book maj 
well be considered as a valuable and important addition to the military science of the country."— 
New York Herald. 



8 D. Van Nbstrand^s Publications. 

(~^ILLMORE'S FORT SUMTER. Official Report of Operations 
■^ against the Defences of Charleston Harbor, 1863. Comprising 
the descent upon Morris Island, the demolition of Fort Sumter, and 
the siege and reduction of Forts Wagner and Gregg. By Maj.-Gen. 
Q. A. GiLLMORE, U. S. Volunteers, and Major U. S. Corps of Engi- 
neers. With 76 lithographic plates, views, maps, etc. i vol., 8vo. 
Cloth, $10; Half-Russia,' $12. 

" General Gillmore has enjoyed and improved some very nnnsaal opportunities for adding to 
tlie literature of military science, and for making a permanent record of his own professional 
•chievements. It has fallen to his lot to conduct some of the most striking operations of tha 
war, and to make trial of interesting experiments in engineering and artillery which were both 
calculated to throw light upon gome of the great points of current discussion in military art, and 
also to fix the attention of spectators in no ordinary degree. 

" His report of the siege of Port Pulaski thus almost took the form of a popular scientific 
treatise ; and we now have his report of his operations against Forts Wagner and Sumter, given 
to the public in a volume which promises to be even more attractive at bottom, both to tho 
Bcientiflc and the general reader, than its predecessor. 

" The volume is illustrated by seventy-six plates and views, which are admirably executed, 
and by a few excellent maps ; and indeed the whole style of publication ia such as to reflect 
the highest credit upon the publishers." — Boston Daily Advertiser. 



UPPLEMENTARY REPORT to the Engineer and Artillery Opera< 
* tions against the Defences of Charleston Harbor in 1863. By 
Major-General Q. A. Gillmore, U. S. Volunteers, and Major U. S. 
Corps of Engineers. With Seven Lithographed Maps and Views. 
I vol., 8vo. Cloth. $=c. 



lEGE AND REDUCTION OF FORT PULASKI, GEORGIA. 

* Papers on Practical Engineering. No. 8. Official Report to tha 
U. S. Engineer Department of the Siege and Reduction of Fort Pu- 
laski, Ga., February, March, and April, 1862. By Brig. -Gen. Q. 
A. Gillmore, U. S. A. Illustrated by maps and views, i vol., 
8vo, cloth. $2.50. 



PRACTICAL TREATISE ON LIMES, HYDRAULIC CE- 
MENTS, AND MORTARS. Papers on Practical Engineering, 
U. S. Engineer Department, No. 9, containing Reports of numerous 
experiments conducted in New York City, during the years 1858 to 
1 86 1 inclusive. By Major-General Q. A. Gillmore, U. S. Volun- 
teers, and Major U. S. Corps of Engineers. With numerous illus- 
trations. One volume, octavo. Cloth. $4. 



' YSTEMS OF MILITARY BRIDGES, in Use by the United States 
' Army ; those adopted by the Great European Powers ; and such 
as are employed in British India. With Directions for the Preserva- 
tion, Destruction, and Re-establishment of Bridges. By Maj.-Gen. 
George W. Cullum, Lieut. -Col. Corps of Engineers, United States 
Army, i vol. octavo. With numerous illustrations. Cloth. $3. 50. 



M 



Military Boohs. 9 

ILITARY BRIDGES : For the Passage of Infantry, Artillery, 
and Baggage-Trains ; with suggestions of many new expedients 
and constructions for crossing streams and chasms ; designed to 
utilize the resources ordinarily at command and reduce the amount 
and cost of army transportation. Including also designs for Trestle 
and Truss-Bridges for Military Railroads, adapted especially to the 
wants of the Service of the United States. By Herman Haupt, 
Brig. -Gen. in charge of the construction and operation of the U. S. 
Military Railways, Author of "General Theory of Bridge Construc- 
tion, &c. " Illustrated by sixty-nine lithographic engravings. Oc- 
tavo, cloth. $6.50. 

"This elaborate and carefally prepared, though thoroughly practical and aimple work, ia 
peculiarly adapted to the military service of the United States. Mr. Haupt has added very much 
to the ordinary facilities for crossing streams and chasms, by the Lastructions afforded in this 
work."— ZJo«to» Courier. 



BEN:fiT'S MILITARY LAW. A Treatise on Military Law and the 
Practice of Courts-Martial. By Col. S. V. Benet, Ordnance De- 
partment, U. S. A., late Assistant Professor of Ethics, Law, &c. , 
Military Academy, West Point, i vol., 8vo, sixth edition, revised 
and enlarged. Law sheep. $4- 50. 

" Captain Benet presents the army with a complete compilation of the precedents and decisions 
of rare value which have accumulated since the creation of the office of Judge-Advocate, 
thoroughly digested and judiciously arranged, with an index of the most minute accuracy. 
Military Law and Courts-Martial are treated from the composition of the latter to tlie Finding 
and Sentence, with the Revision and Execution of the same, all set forth in a clear, exhaustive 
style that is a cardinal excellence in every work of legal reference. That portion of the work 
devoted to Evidence is especially good. In fact, the whole performance entitles the author to 
the thanks of the entire army, not a leading officer of which should foil to supply himself at once 
with so serviceable a guide to the intricacies of legal military government." — N. Y. Times. 

Judge-Advocate General's Office, ( 
October 13, 180:2. f 

• * * So far as I have been enabled to examine this volume, it seems to me carefully and 
accurately prepared, and I am satisfied that you have rendered an acceptable service to the »rmy 
and the country by its publication at this moment. In consequence of the gigantic proportions 
eo suddenly assumed by the military operations of the Government, there have been nxrssarily 
called into the field, from civil life, a vast number of officers, unacquainted, from their previous 
studies and pursuits, both with the principles of miUtary law and with the course of judicial 
proceedings under it. To all such, this treatise will prove an easily accessible tto.chouse of 
knowledge, which it is equally the duty of the soldier in command to acquire, as il is to draw 
his sword against the common enemy. The military spirit of our people now beipg 'horo-rrhly 
aroused, added to a growing conviction that in future we may have to depend quite aj 'nucb lipon 
the bayonet as upon the ballot-box for the preservation of our institutions, cannot ff.il to secure 
to this work an extended and earnest apprwciation. In bringing the results of lefjislation and 
of decisions upon the questions down to so recent a i)eriod, the aiitl-.or has added ;;ieaUy to the 
interest and usefulness of tlie volume. Very regpectt'ully. 

Your obedient servant, J. HOLT. 



H 



ALLECK'S INTERNATIONAL LAW ; or, Rules Regulating the 
Intercourse of States in Peace and War. By Maj.-Gen. H. W. 
Halleck, Commanding the Army. i vol., 8vo. Law sheep 
$6. 



10 ]). Van Nostrand^s Publications. 



R 



EPORT OF THE ENGINEER AND ARTILLERY OPERA- 
TIONS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, from its Op 
ganization to the Close of the Peninsular Campaign. By Maj.-Gen. 
J. G. Barnard, and other Engineer Officers, and Maj.-Gen. W. F. 
Barry, Chief of Artillery. Illustrated by numerous Maps, Plans, 
&c. Octavo. Cloth. $4. 

" The title of this work sufficiently indicates its importance and value as a contribution to the 
history of the great rebellion. Gen. Barnard's report is a narrative of the engineer operations 
of the Army of the Potomac from the time of its organization to the date it was withdraws 
from the James River. Thus a record is given of an important part in the great work which 
the nation found before it when it was first confronted with the necessity of war, and perhaps 
on no other point in the annals of the rebellion will future generations look with a deeper or 
more admiring interest." — Buffalo Courier. 



T 



HE "C. S. A.," AND THE BATTLE OF BULL RUN. (A 
Letter to an English friend), by Major J. G. Barnard, Colonel 
of Engineers, U. S. A., Major-General and Chief Engineer, Army 
of the Potomac. With five maps, i vol., 8vo. Cloth. $2. 



THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN AND ITS ANTECEDENTS, 
as developed by the Report of Major-General Geo. B. McClellan, 
and other published Documents. By J. G. Barnard, Colonel of 
Engineers and Brevet Major-General Volunteers, and Chief En- 
gineer in the Army of the Potomac from its organization to the close 
of the Peninsular Campaign, i vol., i2mo. Paper. 30 cents. 

NOTES ON SEA-COAST DEFENCE: Consisting of Sea-Coast 
Fortification ; the Fifteen-Inch Gun ; and Casemate Embrasure. 
By Major-General J. G. Barnard, Col. of Corps of Engineers, 
U. S. A. I vol., 8vo. Cloth. Plates. $2. 



M 



ANUAL FOR ENGINEER TROOPS : Consisting of— Part L 
Ponton Drill ; II. Practical Operations of a Siege ; III. School 
of the Sap ; IV. Military Mining ; V. Construction of Batteries. 
By General J. C. Duane, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, i vol., 
i2mo. Half morocco. With plates. $2.50. 

" 1 have carefully examined Capt. J. C. Duane's ' Manual for Engineer Troops,' and do not 
hesitate to pronounce it the very best work on the subject of which it treats. 

" H. V7. HALLECK, Major-General U. S. A." 
"A work of this kind has been much needed in our military literature. For the Army's 
eake, I hope the book will have a wide circulation among its officers. 

" G. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General U. S. A." 



A 



TREATISE ON MILITARY SURVEYING. Theoretical and 
Practical, including a description of Surveying Instruments. By 
G. H. IMendell, Major of Engineers, i vol., i2mo. With nu- 
merous illustrations. Cloth. $2. 



"The author is a Cajjtain of Enirint'cr?, and has for his chief authorities Salneuve, Lalobre, 
and Siniras. He has presented the subjt!ct in a simple form, and has liberally illustrated it with 
diagrams, that it may be readily comprehended by every one who is liable to be called I'von to 
furnisli a military sketch of a portion of country."— iV. Y. Evening Post. 



Military BooJcs 11 

ABBOT (H. L.) Siege Artillery in the Campaign against Richmond, 
with Notes on the 15-inch Gun, including an Algebraic Analysis 
of the Trajectory of a Shot in its ricochet upon smooth Water. Il- 
lustrated with detailed drawings of the U. S. and Confederate rifled 
projectiles. By Henry L. Abbot, Major of Engineers, and Brevet 
Major-General U. S. Volunteers, commanding Siege Artillery, Armies 
before Richmond. Paper No. 14, Professional Papers, Corps of 
Engineers, i vol., 8vo. Cloth. $3.50. 

AUTHORIZED U. S. INFANTRY TACTICS. For the Instruc- 
tion, Exercise, and Manoeuvres of the Soldier, a Company, Line 
of Skirmishers, Battalion, Brigade, or Corps d'Armee. By Brig.- 
Gen. Silas Casey, U. S. A. 3 vols., 24mo. Vol. I. — School of 
the Soldier ; School of the Company ; Instruction for Skirmishers. 
Vol. II. — School of the Battalion. Vol. III. Evolutions of a Bri- 
gade ; Evolutions of a Corps d'Armee. Cloth, lithographed plates. 
$2.50. 

MORRIS'S INFANTRY TACTICS. Comprising the School of 
the Soldier, School of the Company, Instruction for Skirmishers, 
School of the Battalion, Evolutions of the Brigade, and Directions 
for Manoeuvring the Division and the Corps d'Armee. By Brig.- 
Gen. William H. Morris, U. S. Vols., and late U. S. Second In- 
fantry. 2 vols., 24mo. Cloth. $2. 

US. TACTICS FOR COLORED TROOPS. U. S. Infantry Tac- 
• tics, for the Instruction, Exercise, and Manoeuvres of the Soldier, 
a Company, Line of Skirmishers, and Battalion, for the use of the 
Colored Troops of the United States Infantry. Prepared under the 
direction of the War Department, i vol., 24mo. Plates. Cloth. 
$1.50. 

" War Department, Washington, March 9, 1868. 
"This system of United States Infantry Tactics, prepared under the direction of the War 
Department, for the use of the colored troops of the United States Infantry, having been 
approved by the Presidynt, is adopted for the instruction of such troops. 

" EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War." 

FIELD TACTICS FOR INFANTRY. Comprising the Battalion 
movements, and Brigade evolutions, useful in the Field, on the 
March, and in the presence of the Enemy. The tabular form is 
used to distinguish the commands of the General, and the com- 
mands of the Colonel. By Brig. -Gen. Wm. H. Morris, U. S. Vols., 
late Second U. S. Infantry. i8mo. Illustrated. 75 cents. 

IGHT INFANTRY COMPANY AND SKIRMISH DRILL. 
The Company Drill of the Infantry of the Line, together with the 
Skirmish Drill of the Company and Battalion, after the method of 
General Le Louterel. Bayonet Fencing ; with a Supplement on 
the Handling and Service of Light Infantry. By J. Monroe, Col. 
2 2d Regiment, N. G., N. Y. S. M., formerly Captain U. S. Infantry. 
I vol., 32mo. 75 cents. 

CHOOL OF THE GUIDES. Designed for the use of the Militia 
of the United States. Flexible cloth. 60 cents. 



L 



12 D. Van Nostrand^s Puhltcations. 

STANDING ORDERS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT, 
NATIONAL GUARD. For the Regulation and Government of 
the Regiment in the Field or in Quarters. By A. Duryea, Colonel. 
New Edition. Flexible cloth. 50 cents. 

HETH'S SYSTEM OF TARGET PRACTICE : For the use of 
Troops when armed with the Musket, Rifle-Musket, Rifle, or Car- 
bine. Prepared, principally from the French, by Captain Henry 
Heth, loth Infantry, U. S. A. i8mo. Cloth. 75 cents. 

SWORD-PLAY. The Militiaman's Manual and Sword-Play without 
a Master. — Rapier and Broad-Sword Exercises, copiously Explained 
and Illustrated ; Small-Arm Light Infantry Drill of the United States 
Army ; Infantry Manual of Percussion Muskets ; Company Drill of 
the United States Cavalry. By Major M. W. Berriman, engaged 
for the last thirty years in the practical instruction of Military Stu- 
dents. Fourth edition, i vol., 12 mo. Red cloth. $1. 

PATTEN'S INFANTRY TACTICS. Containing Nomenclature of 
the Musket ; School of the Soldier ; Manual of Arms for the 
Rifle Musket ; Instructions for Recruits, without regard to Arms ; 
School of the Company ; Skirmishers, or Light Infantry and Rifle 
Company Movements ; the Bayonet Exercise ; the Small-Sword Ex- 
ercise ; Manual of the Sword or Sabre. 12 mo. 92 Engravings. 
Paper. 50 cents. 

PATTEN'S INFANTRY TACTICS. Contains Nomenclature of the 
Musket ; School of the Company ; Skirmishers, or Light Infantry 
and Rifle Company Movements ; School of the Battalion ; Bayonet 
Exercise ; Small-Sword Exercise ; Manual of the Sword or Sabre. 
i2mo. 100 Engravings. Paper. Revised edition. 75 cents. 

NEW BAYONET EXERCISE. A New Manual of the Bayonet, 
for the Army and Militia of the United States. By General J. 
C. Kelton, U. S. a. With Forty beautifully-engraved Plates. 
Fifth edition, revised. Red cloth. $2. 
This Manual was prepared for the use of the Corps of Cadets, and has beea 
introduced at the Military Academy with satisfactoiy results. It is simply the 
tlieory of the attack and defence of the sword applied to the bayonet, on the 
authority of men skilled in the use of arms. 

The jVIauual contains practical lessons in Fencing, and prescribes the defence 
against Cavalry, and the manner of conducting a contest with a swordsman. 

" This work merits a favorable reception al the hands of all military men. It contains all the 
Jnstruction necessary to enable an officer to drill his men in the use of this weapon. The 
Introduction of the Sabre Bayonet in our army renders a knowledge of the exercise more im- 
perative." — New York Times. 

RHYMED TACTICS, BY "GOV." i vol., i8mo. Paper. With 
portraits. 25 cents. 

HINTS TO COMPANY OFFICERS ON THEIR MILITARY 
DUTIES. By Gen. C. C. Andrews, Third Regt. Minnesota 
Vols. I vol., i8mo. Cloth. 60 cents. 

"This is a hand-book of good practical advice, which officers of all ranks may study with 
tay&nta.gQ.''''— Philadelphia Press. 



Military BooTcs. 13 

AUSTRIAN INFANTRY TACTICS. Evolutions of the Line as 
practised by the Austrian Infantry, and adopted in 1853. Trans- 
lated by Captain C. M. Wilcox, Seventh Regiment U. S. Infantry. 
I vol., 1 2 mo. Three large plates. Cloth. |i, 

lELE'S HAND-BOOK. Hand-Book for Active Service, contain- 
ing Practical Instructions in Campaign Duties. For the use of 
Volunteers. By Brig. -Gen. Egbert L. Viele, U. S. A. i2mo. 
Cloth. $1. 



V 



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HE BATTLE-FIELDS OF VIRGINIA. Chancellorsville, em- 
bracing the Operations of the Army of Northern Virginia. From 
the First Battle of Fredericksburg to the Death of Lt.-Gen. S. J. 
Jackson. By Jed. Hotchkiss and William Allan, i vol., 8vo. 
Cloth. Illustrated with Maps and Portrait of Stonewall Jackson. 

$5- 

" Though written from a Confederate stand-point this is a valuable accession to the military 
history of the country. It embraces the operations of the rebel army of Northern Virginia from 
the first battle of Fredericksburg to the death of Stonewall J&dksony— Washington Star. 

CAMPAIGN OF INIOBILE, including the Co-operation of General 
Wilson's Cavalry in Alabama. By Brevet Maj-Gen. C. C. An- 
drews. With Maps and Illustrations. 8vo. Cloth. $3. 50. 

•' This is an elaborate account of a memorable campaign conducted by General Oanby with 
great slvill, and resulting in a great success. That success, owing to the fact that it occurred at 
the time the rebellion collapsed in Virginia, has not occupied in the public mind the place due to 
Us intrinsic importance and the generalship which made it possil)le. To military readers, 
however, the campaign must be of more than ordinary interest."— i?o«ton Transcript. 

RIFLES AND RIFLE PRACTICE. An Elementary Treatise on 
the Theory of Rifle Firing ; explaining the Causes of Inaccuracy 
of Fire and the manner of correcting it, with descriptions of the 
Infantry Rifles of Europe and the United States, their Balls and Car- 
tridges. By Captain C. M. Wilcox, U. S. A. New edition, with 
engravings and cuts. Green cloth. $2. 

" Although eminently a scientific work, special care seems to have been taken to avoid tha 
nse of technical terms, and to make the whole subject comprehensible to the practical inquirer. 
It was designed chiefly for the use of Volunteers and the Militia ; but the War Department haa 
evinced its approval of its merits by ordering from the publisher one thousand copies for the 
Qse of the United States Army.'''— iMuUville Jourtud. 

IFLED ORDNANCE : A Practical Treatise on the Application of 
the Principle of the Rifle to Guns and Mortars of every calibre. 
To wnich is added a new theory of the initial acdon and force of 
Fired Gunpowder. By Lynall Thomas, F. R. S. L. Fifth edition, 
revised. One volume, octavo, illustrated. Cloth. $2. 

" An important contribution to a branch of military science, which is just now a subject 
of warm discussion in America as well as England. Mr. Thomas's conclusions are based on a 
large number of careful experiments, and are entitled to careful consideration. In regard 
to Ike famous Armstrong guns, while considering their inventor as entitled to the nonor 
of suggesting the only successful method of constructing wronght-irou guns, he disagrees with 
him in nearly all that relates to the projection of the shot, and holds that the Armstrong must 
Btill be an experimental gun— particularly objectionable as breech-loaders. Its asserted over 
coming of the scionrific and mechanical diflicnlties of other guns, is based wholly on its revivai 
of breech-loading— a method generally considered obsolete and objoctionablc.." 



R 



14 D. Van N'ostrancVs Publications. 



T 



HREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS. A concise narrative 

of events in the Army of the Potomac from 1861 to the Close of 

the Rebellion, April, 1865. By Geo. T. Stevens, Surgeon of the 

77th Regt. New York Volunteers. Illustrated with 17 engravmgs 

and 6 steel portraits. New and revised edition. 8vo. Cloth. $3. 

"This story of 'Three Years in the Sixth Corps' is a valuable contribution to the history of the great 
itruggle, and we are glad to see that its success necessitates this second edition. The work is graphically 
written, and brings vividly before the mind of the reader the varied scenes which came before the 
writer's eye. Not only will it be found interesting to the members of the old Sixth, but to every Ameri- 
can reader. Fine portraits on steel of six of the leading Generals connected with the corps, and a 
number of wood-cuts, a-ccompany this edition." — Mail. 

THE VOLUNTEER QUARTERMASTER. Containing a Collec- 
tion and Codification of the Laws, Regulations, Rules, and Prac- 
tices governing the Quartermaster's Department of the United States 
Army, and in force March 4, 1865. By Captain Roeliff Brinker- 
HOFF, Assistant Quartermaster U. S. Volunteers, and Post Quarter- 
master at Washington. I vol., i2mo. Cloth. $2.50. 



M 



ANUAL FOR QUARTERMASTERS AND COMMISSARIES. 

Containing Instructions in the Preparation of Vouchers, Ab- 
stracts, Returns, &c. , embracing all the recent changes in the Army 
Regulations, together with instructions respecting Taxation of Sal- 
aries, &c. By Captain R. F. Hunter, late of the U. S. Army. 
i2mo. Cloth. $1.25. Flexible morocco. $1.50. 

THE WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. A Report to the Swiss 
Military Department. Preceded by a Discourse to the Federal 
Military Society assembled at Berne, Aug. 18, 1862. By Ferdinand 
Lecomte, Lieut. -Col. Swiss Confederation. Author of "Relation 
Historique et Critique de la Campagne dTtalie en 1859," " LTtalie 
en i860," and " Le General Jomini, sa Vie, et ses Ecrits," &c., &c. 
Translated from the French by a Staff Officer. i vol., i2mo. 
Cloth. $1. 



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ODLEBEN'S (GENERAL) HISTORY OF THE DEFENCE 
OF SEBASTOPOL. By William Howard Russell, LL.D., of 
the London Times, i vol. , i2mo. Cloth, $2. 



G 



UNNERY IN 1858. A Treatise on Rifles, Cannon, and Sporting 
Arms. By WxM. Greener, R. C. E. i vol., 8vo. Cloth. $4. Full 
calf. $6.00. 



M 



ANUAL OF SIGNALS, for the use of Signal Oflicers in the 
Field, and for Military and Naval Students, Military Schools, 
&c. A new edition, enlarged and illustrated. By Brig. -Gen. Albert 
Y. Myer, Chief Signal Officer of the Army, Colonel of the Signal 
Corps during the War of the Rebellion. A new edition, enlarged, 
and illustrated with 42 Plates. i2mo. Roan. $5. 



18 D. Van Kostrand's Publications. 



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EBELLION RECORD. A Diary of American Events, i860- 
1864. Edited by Frank Moore. Complete in 12 Volumes. 
Illustrated with 158 finely engraved steel portraits of distinguished 
Generals and Prominent Men, together with numerous Maps and 
Plans. The work can now be supplied complete in 12 volumes at 
the following prices, viz. : Green cloth, $60.00 ; library sheep, 
$72.00; half calf, antique, $78.00; half morocco, $78.00; half 
Russia, $84.00, 

This work is a compendinm of information, made up of special correspondence, official r» 
ports, and gleanings from the newspapers of both sections of the United States and of Europa 
Of these latter, over five hundred are used in its preparation. 

The Rebellion Record has now become so firmly established as the standard authority o! 
the war that individuals in all departments of the Army, Navy, and Government are constantly 
referring to it, for narratives of important events, and official reports unpublished elsewhere. 

In addition to this, most of the speeches, narratives, &c., elsewhere published, have been r* 
vised by their authors, specially for the Record. 

The editor has aimed at completeness, accuracy, and impartiality. Completeness has been 
secured by the fullest possible sources of information. Accuracy has been attained by deferring 
publication of all matter long enough after events for the accounts of them to be sifted. Im- 
partiality has been a special object. Every authority from the Southern side has been sought 
for without regard to labor or expense, and all statements and documents have been inserted at 
originally found, without editorial comment of any kind. 

The Rebellion Record is already the main source of history of the war. Most of the histo 
ries of the war yet published have been, in a great measure, compiled from the Rebellioh 
Record. This is proved by the fact that documents cited in those works are quoted in thephrOf 
geology of the copies revised by their autlwrs spedcUly for the Record, and published noivhere else 

This work is of special value to statesmen, inasmuch as the course and policy of all prominent 
men are fully traced in it. 

It is indispensable to lawyers. A large and increasing amount of litigation is arising on sub- 
jects connected with the war, and the Rebellion Record is the only complete repository of 
evidence and authority. AU important Laws and leading Decisions arising out of the war are 
reported in it ; and it has already been received as authentic evidence in trial for Piracy and 
Treason in the United States Courts of Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and San Francisco. 

The Philadelphia Press, of October 26, 1861, thus speaks of it : 

" During the trial, which terminated yesterday, for piracy, of one of the crew of the Jeff 
Davis, a great deal of evidence was ofl'ered by the counsel for defence taken from Frank 
Moore's Rebellion Record, and received by Judges Grier and Cadwallader, who presided. 
This is a remarkable compliment to the work in question ; but not higher than it merits, ft-om 
the fulness and fairness of its various information respectirjf;; the rebellion. It is the first time 
In legal and literary history that a book not yet completed has been so stamped with authen- 
ticity as to be admitted as evidence in a court of law, and on a trial for a capital oflfence." 

" We presume that there can be no question that there never was so complete a body ofme- 
moires pour servir published as this, and at least that it is destined to be the resort of all those 
who wish to study, from a political, social, or military point of view, the events of the years 
1860-65. That no libraries fit to be called such, whether public or private, can dispens* with it 
is certain. The portraits of prominent officers and politicians which have generally accompa* 
Hied each monthly part, have been of a high order of excellence, and add materially to tbe valM 
and attractiveness of the Record."— TAe Nation. 



